Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another article here at StageSideUK. This time aroud we are talking about the beauty of a solo theatre trip.
There’s something quietly powerful about walking into a theatre with only yourself for company. No distractions, no small talk, just you, a seat in the space, and a story about to unfold. Over the past few years we have seen theatres try to encourage solo theatre trips, but there still seems to be some sort of stigma or negative connotation in regards to solo theatre trips. But I am here to say, it’s not just acceptable to go to the theatre alone it’s liberating. And dare we say it? Utterly joyful.
At StageSideUK, we champion all the ways people experience theatre — whether it’s group outings, press nights, family matinees or fringe festivals. But today, we want to shine a light on the solo trip: that quietly confident choice to take yourself to the theatre, and enjoy the show entirely on your own terms, at your own pace and when you want to.
There’s an intimacy in going to the theatre alone that’s hard to match. Without conversation before, during or after, you’re free to immerse yourself completely, to feel every beat, catch every detail, and react without checking someone else’s response or feeling judged for your responses. It’s theatre in its purest form: you and the performance, no buffer.
In fact, many seasoned theatre fans say solo trips are when they’ve felt most connected to the artform. Whether it’s the stillness of a one-person play at a venue like the Northern Stage, the joy of a midweek musical at Darlington Hippodrome, or a drag cabaret in a tucked-away studio in Leeds, going alone strips the experience back to what matters most: the art form.
There’s a misconception that solo theatre trips are a last resort, and only happen when friendship groups fail to secure those group chat plans. But ask around, and you’ll find a growing community of theatre-goers who actively prefer going alone. No worrying about syncing calendars, no politely pretending you liked something you didn’t, and certainly no missing out because no one else fancied it. It’s theatre joy on your terms, and that is what makes it so fun!
Booking a single ticket also often opens up brilliant last-minute seating options and sometimes with a nice discount too! That spare seat in the front row? It’s yours. The empty Stalls box with the best view in the house? A quiet luxury for one. And alot of theatres across the UK offer single seat discounts the closer it gets to the shows run!
The UK theatre scene is slowly becoming more inclusive, and that includes how we attend. Venues like the Alphabetti in Newcastle and HOME in Manchester are creating environments that feel safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone, whether you’re coming in a group or flying solo.
And let’s not forget the pre-show rituals. A quiet drink at the bar, a leisurely browse of the programme, a chance to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere, going solo allows you to do it all without compromise. It’s not lonely. It’s peaceful and there is a huge difference!
Of course there are some logistical things to consider like travel arrangements, making sure you get to and from the venue safely, and of course everyone is different and so solo theatre trips may not actually be for you. But it is always worth trying!
So if you’ve been toying with the idea of going alone but haven’t quite made the leap, let this be your sign. Book the ticket. Pick the show you’ve been dying to see. And enjoy every second of it, on your own terms.
Have your say!
Have you seen a show on your own before? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
Head over to the Terms and conditions page to learn more about our policies, here at StageSideUK.
Follow us on Twitter and give our page a like on Facebook.