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

(162 Posts)
Kandinsky Thu 19-May-22 12:28:53

I wish I had the nerve but I’d feel a bit silly going on my own - not sure why really?

I wouldn’t go to a restaurant or cafe on my own either, as for a pub! ?

Grandma70s Thu 19-May-22 15:52:18

I have always been quite happy to go alone, because I go in order to see the film or the performance, not as a social occasion.

Sussexborn Thu 19-May-22 15:52:04

icanhandthemback

Yes. As you can't talk to anyone throughout the film, it is hardly worth taking company.

If only! Last time we went to the cinema I ended up asking the people in front of us to pipe down, although a bit more politely!

I am thinking of going to see Downton on my own as OH has zero interest. My friend goes to the cinema and theatre on her own and especially enjoys pantos, including shouting out!

MawtheMerrier Thu 19-May-22 15:42:07

Regularly.
Matinees, TBH but I often find someone to chat to (usually a woman of around my vintage) and not all cinemas, I avoid the sort of bucket of popcorn pint of coke type places, preferring a glass of Merlot and a reclining seat!

Caleo Thu 19-May-22 15:38:40

I often have gone to cinema, concert, and opera on my own.

AreWeThereYet Thu 19-May-22 15:31:18

Quite happy going anywhere alone. As someone else said, most people aren't interested in what others are doing, they're way too involved with their own lives.

I often think I could probably wander round naked and a lot of people wouldn't notice. (Until the screams started. And even that would probably be missed by all those engrossed on their phones/tablets.)

Ailidh Thu 19-May-22 15:19:11

I often go to the theatre alone, also cafés, art galleries, restaurants, wine bars but probably not pubs. I don't tend to eat out solo late in the evening but then I don't tend to eat late anyway.

muse Thu 19-May-22 15:14:52

Lots of times but never a pub unless it was to eat.
Cafes in the daytime always have a few singles.

After I divorced, I found theatre trips unnerving at first but once seated, as at the cinema, it makes no difference. I’ve done a couple of holidays by myself, gigs too.

I remarried a few years ago but I still enjoy lunch out by myself on my days off and visits to gardens and the cinema. We have quite different interests when it comes to films.

henetha Thu 19-May-22 15:14:43

Yes. I will go anywhere alone and have done all my life. I've always been very independent and somewhat anti-social.
Going alone is often better than going with someone else.
That doesn't mean I want to be alone ALL the time, but mainly I prefer it.

Casdon Thu 19-May-22 14:45:52

Going to the cinema on your own is no big deal at all. Go for an early performance, and you’ll find there are more people on their own than there are with somebody else. There’s often a film on that I want to see that nobody close to me is interested in - men and women tend not to enjoy the same type of films in my experience. I don’t understand why you would miss out on seeing something you will enjoy, there’s absolutely nothing to feel awkward about.

OakDryad Thu 19-May-22 14:40:52

I do to all these things on my own and prefer it that way. Doing things with friends, even someone who shares an interest or passion for whatever it is, can still be restricting. You'd prefer to see the 3:00pm movie showing, they want to go at 5:00pm.

It may be a case of needs must when single (widowed young in my case) else you just sit indoors not having a social life and miss so much. In fact, going it alone over the years has made me more outgoing, more confident. The more you do it the less you think about being on your own and revel in the freedom.

M0nica Thu 19-May-22 14:39:11

Wouldn't think twice. I have done it ever since I was about 13 or 14. If i wanted to see a film and my sister didn't, I just went on my own. It would be day time and my parents would know where I was.

Once I got to university, I would go to the ballet and opera, mainly opera, when touring companies came to town. others did not share my taste, so I went alone.

I cannot think of any occasion in my ordinary life that I have let going somewhere alone interfer with my ordinary pursuits.

What is the problem?

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 19-May-22 14:15:40

I have never been to the cinema or theatre on my own and can’t imagine ever doing so.

Juliet27 Thu 19-May-22 14:11:55

I used to occasionally go to the morning film showings for seniors. I ended up sitting next to an elderly gent and commented that I’d sat next to him once before. A little way into the film he asked if he could hold my hand!! My friendliness was obviously misconstrued.

ginny Thu 19-May-22 14:01:30

Yes to all.
Cinema, theatre, coffee, meal interest groups, talks.. I also enjoy going with others too.

Jaxjacky Thu 19-May-22 13:53:56

Yes to all, if MrJ is away or busy I’ll go out on my own. He’ll be away golfing in a few weeks, so I’ll go to the local one night and a restaurant for dinner another.

AGAA4 Thu 19-May-22 13:41:17

Don't miss out. Lots of people on their own in cinemas, cafes and theatres. I don't even think about it now but the first time can be a bit daunting. Then you realise that nobody notices you as they are busy with their own lives

halfpint1 Thu 19-May-22 13:37:18

Yes same here in France, just going out now for my afternoon
walk and i'll take in a sit down and coffee at the nearest
Bar/Brasserie, and I won't be the only one 'tout seul'.

greenlady102 Thu 19-May-22 13:36:43

I would if I liked going to the cinema or theatre but I don't. I have been going to cafes and tea rooms alone from around age 12/13 and pubs from around age 20 when I finished college....couldn't afford pubs before that!

Witzend Thu 19-May-22 13:32:15

Yes, I have gone to the cinema on my own, but in the afternoon, when it was likely to be a lot less busy. (Fewer annoying people rusting sweet papers etc.).
Dh and I will usually choose the afternoon too, for the same reason.

Pub - no problem. I often went on my own when doing preliminary flat-hunting for a dd. Area was a good half hour from home - I often needed a wee, as well as something to eat and drink!
I was never once made to feel remotely uncomfortable. Would usually take something to read, though.

Lark123 Thu 19-May-22 13:31:25

Of course, me being me, I probably went way too early to get my ticket.
These days you can pre-order online, your spot is saved, no need to worry about the film being sold out.
That way you can arrive later, avoid the crowds milling around and just go in and enjoy the film, in the dark, on your own, and leaving a crowd is easy!

icanhandthemback Thu 19-May-22 13:25:10

Yes. As you can't talk to anyone throughout the film, it is hardly worth taking company.

Lark123 Thu 19-May-22 13:24:02

I once went to the cinema on my own; many years ago. Felt like a fish out of water, like an 'island' with the 'sea of life' swirling around me. Everyone was paired up, like Noah's Ark.

The film was loud, engaging, of course it was dark, and it wasn't bad sitting there 'on my own', but I never felt like going alone again.

Years later I found it wasn't the same feeling going into a cafe on my own, and began to look forwards to it.

I still wouldn't go to a cinema on my own though, maybe the matinee; less people go then.

Everyone and every place is a bit different; I'd say give it a try, you might like itsmile

Oldbat1 Thu 19-May-22 13:18:29

Yes often!

Kandinsky Thu 19-May-22 13:11:59

grin

MissAdventure Thu 19-May-22 13:10:08

Wear a hat with a torch on it? grin