I tried an experiment the other week, a test of my mental ability to attend the theatre on my own. Ah, this might be an easy task to handle for those of us experienced theatergoers who regularly embark on solo exhibitions to the theatre. So I set myself a larger challenge.
7 days, 7 shows, all alone.
Admittedly it is just by chance that this challenge came to pass as I was attending a number of shows for work purposes before it dawned on me just how many shows I had accumulated in such a short space of time, and all rather alone.
There seems to be some kind of stigma with the notion of attending the theatre alone. I know I’ve often looked at the lone person in a row and pitied them for a moment. But why? Theatre isn’t exactly a social event other than the fact that people meet on mass to watch something, and then disappear again after the spectacle. We generally don’t communicate during theatre, we sit in silence, surrounded by strangers, so what difference does it make if you actually know the person next to you?
Well, from my experience of the lone theatregoing, it does make some difference, but not always in a negative way.
I must admit that at times I like my own company, I enjoy long walks alone and sometimes it can be hard to find anyone to go see a certain show with me last minute. (Sounds like I’m forming a dating advert here!) However it’s the beginning part, the interval, and the ending of seeing a show that makes the experience of going alone to the theatre a rather daunting affair. You have no one to talk to… instead discussing key plot and characters in your head to yourself, instead of engaging in a debate with your other person. What happens at the end of a show too when you’ve seen something amazing? You want to tell someone, you want to proclaim to the world that you just saw the most breath taking event that has changed your life… isn’t it always good when you have shared that moment with someone else?
Well yes, I guess the answer to that is, yes I do want to share that moment with someone. But going to the theatre alone means you’re actually sharing it with everyone around you, even if you don’t actually know them.
Upon my visit to the National Theatre to see The Habit of Art, I was sitting next to another lone theatregoer who struck up conversation with me during the interval. The reason can only be because it was evident that we were both sitting alone, watching something truly remarkable and wanted to share this delight with someone, and who better than a complete stranger!
This lady turned out to be an out of work actress, who equally shared my passion for theatre, and for Bennetts latest work. We spoke about a whole array of things, about my work, what she does, our love for theatre. It was one of those slightly surreal moments, where I found myself talking to someone purely because we were both in the same position. The Lone Theatregoers.
If I was attending the theatre with someone, would this conversation with this complete stranger ever had occurred? I feel it’s unlikey.
The other 6 shows were far less exciting in meeting people, but proved valuable thinking time for myself. Whilst I would have liked the company at some of the shows that I was present at, equally witnessing these things alone proved a challenge for me. Often reviewers do attend shows on their own, and quite regularly, but I’ve always found that taking someone along with me helps to break apart work or to debate subject matter.
My experiment has in no way made me buy two tickets to all future performances and forcing unwilling friends to attend with me. It has certainly made me appreciate that going to the theatre can and is a social affair in some manner. However I have the feeling that my attitudes to seeing shows will be the same. If I can find someone to go with me, I shall go with them, otherwise I’ll stick to knowing that I can easily transport myself to the theatre without the fuss of someone else.
So with the above in mind… would you dare to face the challenge of The Lone Theatregoer?
A Younger Theatre 
One perk I like of going to see a show by myself is eavesdropping on what others are saying about it, during the interval and afterwards!
Another bonus of going alone is that it’s more likely that you’ll spot/bump into others you know, as you’d be less likely to notice them if you’re with someone else.
Of my theatre-going I’d say that about 40% of the shows I see I go alone. Whilst now some of that is for work reasons I’ve happily gone to the theatre on my own since I was 18. Firstly, it means I see stuff rather than faffing around trying to sort out schedules. Secondly, it allows me to take risks that I’d feel guilty about if I was possibly squandering someone else’s evening/money. In an ideal world an articulate/equally theatre obsessed/witty person who didn’t take a production that didn’t quite work to heart would be around to go with (throw in good at getting through bar queues and well dressed and you probably have my ideal person full stop). Some times such people are but when they’re not I love theatre far too much to let that stop me. And I’d always rather go on my own than with someone who doesn’t quite want to be there.
I’ve had some wonderful conversations on some of the occasions when I’ve ended up sitting next to other solitary theatre-goers (for they’re always there for love of theatre not out of duty). And, like Chantal, I love eavesdropping (so much so that I write down conversations to use in writing at some unspecified point in the future). And if that fails pre-show/ during an interval – I’ve always got a book!
But I agree – when you see something brilliant/ confusing/ just gets into your head there is nothing better than getting a drink post show and letting it all spill out. And for all my advocacy of solo theatre going I try to avoid seeing comic things alone (always better shared with a sidewards glance to the person you came with).
And not to undermine all of that – should there be a solo club (I know the ROH run one for their friend subscribers who come alone)?
I very rarely go *with* someone to see a show, almost everything I go to see I see on my own. Part of that is a bi-product of reviewing, the other part of it is the eternal student in me who wants time to digest and enjoy what I’m seeing without having to entertain an accomplice in the process!
I too love striking up conversations with strangers and eavesdropping on other people’s opinions of the production. They often help shape my overall opinion of a piece, even if I don’t always agree with what they’re saying.
The only thing I have to watch out for is when I laugh a bit too heartily on my own… at least when you have a friend you have someone for cover; when you’re alone you just look mad!
I prefer seeing theater alone. If I am with someone else, I am aware of their presence and they anchor my identity. The presence of someone I know next to me reminds me of myself and our relationship, and this makes it harder for me to honestly open myself up to whatever the theater piece proposes. I don’t like being distracted by their reaction or wondering what they think if I react strongly to something. If it’s all strangers around, I’m anonymous and that means I can react truthfully.
I love going to the theatre on my own, it has never been an issue for me really. It wasnt until I met the Whingers that I joined some of their organised theatre outings which I also look forward to. Like you Jake I have struck conversations with many interesting people when I go on my own and have kept in touch with them. Funny enough, I actually met two who recognised me because they read my blog.
I also find that when I book for certain performances, I really can not be bothered to ring or check with any of my friends if they want to come because I know it will take them forever to decide and I can’t be bothered waiting. I still organise theatre gigs with my friends from time to time.
It’s true that the experience of seeing a production with other people is fun, as you can talk about it during the interval, or leave if youre all feeling inclined, or have discussions afterwards but although I enjoy this from time to time, I still relish going to see a production on my own. I just love those moments when I am lost in the sea of anonymity but I am not really alone.
You may be interested to know that Richmond Theatre, http://www.ambassadortickets.com/Richmond-Theatre,have initiated a scheme called Midweek Meet to allow solo theatregoers to meet in a private area for selected shows over a glass of wine before the performance and during the interval.For an extra £5.00 you get a glass of wine and a programme, which is cheaper than buying your wine and programme separately.
Shows and dates as follows:
Present Laughter – 20 Jan
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime – 10 Feb
Blood Brothers – 24 March
Oh What a Lovely War – 28 Apr
Hope you find this useful.
Richmond Theatre’s first Midweek Meet was a jolly affair thanks to Mike River’s drink dispensing and Noel Coward’s fizzing wit with Present Laughter. A good opportunity to mingle and chat with other theatre goers. Hope the idea catches on.