Would you ever go to the cinema/ theatre on your own?

Used to regularly go to theatre matinees on my own in London but have never done so where I live, a much smaller place. Have only ever been to a restaurant on an evening on my own when working away from home and always felt incredibly uncomfortable. No problem going to cafe etc during the day on my own. Very silly I know, just a lack of confidence I suppose.

Yes. Give it a go its really not as scary as you think. I keep a small paperback in my bag which I will happily sit and read in a cafe. First time is always a little daunting but do it its great for people watching too.

Yes. All of the above. Why shouldn't I? I also go to football matches on my own.

I rather like going to the cinema alone. Often read reviews and comments afterwards, so that fulfils the post-show analysis.
And it is a heck of a lot cheaper going solo to the theatre in London. Prices are through the roof!

Also happy to eat out alone but it can be a bit dull without some conversation. Although that does depend on the person you are with. Sometimes it is better to dine alone!

Yes, no problem. I don’t think that other people in a cinema, theatre or cafe think anything of others being on their own.

I'm happy to go to the cinema or theatre alone. Also I don't mind going in a restaurant alone, and I've been on holiday alone too. I've got a lot of friends but they don't always enjoy the same things that I do

Of course, why wouldn’t one ?

Cinema yes, theatre no. I also often go to a cafe on my own

I have been to the cinema on my own, though that was long ago, and in cafes more recently though I have usually taken a book. I also had a book with me on my one solo visit to the pub. I enjoyed it, sitting there in peace, reading my book and sipping my beer.

When I was young, I went alone to see several performers, because I didn't know anyone else who wanted to see them. I had tried to persuade other people to come with me to see Charles Aznavour but nobody wanted to, so I decided to go alone. It was a brilliant show and, after that, I didn't hesitate if there was someone I wanted to see.

The trouble is, we think that we are more conspicuous than we are. If you see someone sitting alone in the cinema or in a cafe, how much thought do you give it? A few seconds? None at all? Most people are too wrapped up in their own concerns to spare much thought for people who aren't bothering them.

If you want to do something, just do it. Don't worry about what other people think. Chances are that they are not thinking about you at all.

I always go on my own to the cinema or the theatre as I don't have anybody to go with.
Quite often in an afternoon there may be only another 1 or 2 people at the cinema.

We go to the theatre usually to see my favourite music shows (rather than plays) If OH didn't go for some reason, I would definitely go on my own now, but I completely understand Kand, we can feel a bit conspicuous doing these things on our own.Though with this type of show, it'd be very easy to strike up a conversation with the person you're seated next to at the start, and likewise in the interval if you go and get yourself a drink. Nobody else would think you odd at all.

Greciangirl

No, I wouldn’t.
How boring would that be. No one to discuss the film or play with afterwards.

I really don’t see the point in going if alone.

The point may be to see the film or performance!

My son is keen on opera and, to a lesser extent, ballet, but his wife has no interest in either. He sometimes goes with a friend, but usually on his own. There is no point in his wife going to (usually expensive) things that don’t interest her, and it also saves getting a babysitter.

Sure, why not?

No, I wouldn’t.
How boring would that be. No one to discuss the film or play with afterwards.

I really don’t see the point in going if alone.

Yes of coure, why not. Rather go with DH or a girl friend, but why miss a good film if they're not available.
It's different from sitting in a pub or restaurant, where eyes can be watching with intent.

I've been to cafes and had lunch, cuppa, cake etc on my own for years. Been to cinema alone, once, when Bohemian Rhapsody came out, have been massive Queen fan since 1974 and my son was away and I wasn't going to miss out. I would do it again but the cost is making me think twice at the moment as I have some festivals coming up. I would probably happily do more on my own if I had the means to do it, it's quite liberating really xx

Yes, done all those things on my own. Also been away on holiday several times on my own
I’m happily married in case anyone is interested

I have been to several concerts on my own when nobody that I knew could come with me and I didn't want to miss out! Also cinema visits and every time I have met really kind people that have done everything from save me a place in the queue to buying me a soft drink. I even got escorted to my hotel by a group of young ladies that were concerned for my safety , walking through the NEC on my own !
The first time is the hardest and once you realise that you are often not the only one that is on your own, you feel a lot better!

Gosh, haven't been to theatre or cinema since before first lockdown but if my husband didn't want to go to something I actually found I preferred to go on my own rather than with a friend. I went quite often to cinema and ballet on my own as my husband hates ballet. Would also go into a restaurant or pub onmy own, especially for lunch if shopping in a city as I love people watching. When I used to visit my daughter in Cardiff ( pre pandemic) I usually went to Jonn Lewis for lunch and often got into conversation with someone taking a seat at the same table.

I regularly go into cafes for coffee on my own when out shopping but have never been to the cinema, theatre, restaurant or pub on my own. But I must admit reading all your comments I am wondering why. My husband is terminally ill, I am of course devastated knowing he hasn’t long but sometimes think of my future. This has given me a bit of confidence that yes I probably can do things on my own.

I have gone to the theatre, concerts, cinemas, and cafés on my own all my adult life, and never, even when I was very young, have I felt uncomfortable about it, or had anyone in any of those venues try to pick me up, when I was young and reasonably attractive.

As a young woman I would decidedly not have gone into a restaurant on my own, unless I could not find a cafeteria or a snack bar. Even now, at 70, I would not want to go into a pub on my own, but that is just me.

I can understand your hesitation if you have never gone to any of these places on your own, but I honestly cannot imagine that you need worry.

If there is no one to go with me, I go to either on my own. It's better then sitting alone at home.

As a widow, I've gone to both Cinema and Theatre alone, as well as eating out by myself.
It does feel awkward at first - but as others hvae pointed out, so many others are alone (for many different reasons) - so you will become accustomed to this.
Of course, there is nothing to stop you speaking to someone while waiting in a queue, or even being seated next to someone, in an interval, or when taking your seat. Just saying "Hello" can be enough to exchange a few sentences. You don't have to become lifelong friends, but you could enjoy conformtable silence, and feel a little less "alone"!

I've often been to operas on my own. I don't have many friends who would share my enthusiasm and I do enjoy being there on my own.