Wondering if a solo date to a musical is worth it? I did. And let me tell you — it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Greetings Wordies. Welcome to 2025! I accidentally took a month off blogging but I’m back with some exciting new content about books, writing, and life that I can’t wait to share with you! So if you haven’t already, make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss anything!

The first thing I want to talk about this year is solo dating. Is it something you have ever tried or are considering? For those who aren’t familiar with the term, solo dating is the intentional act of treating yourself to an activity alone. It isn’t just for single people either! I recently tried it as a wife and mother, and I think this might just be my number one act of self care in 2025. Read on to find out if solo dating might be for you!

Why I Went on a Solo Theatre Date

Going to the theatre alone wasn’t something I had ever planned. I’d never really thought about it. It just seemed natural that reading my books is a solo activity but going out to experience stories in some other way such as at the cinema or on the stage was something you do with others.

I’m not a person who typically worries how being alone might be perceived, though I’ve heard it all before – the assumptions that one might be a loner or a ‘loser’ just because they do things alone. The reason I hesitated to go anywhere fun alone was because of guilt. Guilt for not taking my child or a loved one along that I could share the memory with. And as a freelancer in her (almost) 40’s, I often find it difficult to align schedules with friends, because. . . adulting, right? So why would I deliberately forgo a chance to be with them? Why not wait?

My trip to see & Juliet at New Wimbledon Theatre happened almost by accident. I was scrolling Instagram when an ad popped up for the musical (those algorithm seeds came, presumably, from a conversation I’d been having about Wicked and wanting to see that again after watching the movie).

The trailer looked incredible, and curiosity got the better of me. I mean, a feminist Shakespeare retelling? Sign me up! A quick visit to the website later, and I’d snagged a stray matinee ticket in the upper circle for just £13. The few remaining seats with pairs together were a lot more expensive. I was already seeing the benefits of a solo date!

The idea of a solo date to the theatre felt slightly intimidating at first, but I reminded myself — why not? I LOVE musicals and besides my child, who would be at school during the matinee performance, I couldn’t think of anyone who loves musicals as much as me. So, I grabbed my e-ticket, packed my emotional support Kindle (just in case), and set off for an afternoon of theatre magic.

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What & Juliet Is About

For those unfamiliar, & Juliet is a fun, modern reimagining of Romeo & Juliet, asking: What if Juliet didn’t die? Even better, what if Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, had a say in rewriting the story? The result? A high-energy, feel-good musical packed with iconic pop hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and more. It also shines in its gender inclusivity, featuring LGBTQ+ representation and a strong theme of women’s empowerment.

If you follow my book posts, you’ll know that I love a what if scenario. And while this was my first time experiencing a jukebox musical (a stage or film musical that uses popular songs to tell a story rather than original music), I love musicals in general and couldn’t wait to try it.

I was astounded at how the songs were woven into the story—it was incredibly smart and beautiful. But I also felt like I’d enjoyed a concert, with all the benefits and none of the downsides. There were some absolutely stunning effects, too. And glitter. Lots of glitter!

Just so you can get an idea of why I loved this show so much, here are some pics from the musical’s Instagram page:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by & Juliet UK (@julietmusical)

Going to the Theatre Alone: What It Felt Like

It was a bit of a shock when I arrived on that Wednesday afternoon to find that the theatre was packed. For some reason, I’d assumed that it would be quieter with people at school and work. There was a great buzz in the auditorium.

The first thing I learned is that you need extra time if going somewhere alone for the first time. I got confused about finding the upper circle and initially went to the wrong section and felt too embarrassed to ask why someone was sitting in my seat (they weren’t anyway – I was in the dress circle and not the upper circle).

I eventually plucked up the courage to ask a staff member to show me where the upper circle was, and they were more than happy to help. It turns out, there was a separate door with more steps and by the time I climbed them, I’d managed to miss most of the first song. I was too mortified to scramble about looking for my seat, so I sat in the nearest one that was free.

The upper circle was fun, as it turns out. It was like being in the attic, which sounds bad, but it was fun! Granted, the viewing angle was high, but the people who manage the lighting were at the back of that section, which I found almost as fascinating as the show itself. The lights are so huge! The moment I got comfortable in my lofty position, I was completely absorbed.

The experience was pure joy—dazzling lights, an energetic cast, and clever storytelling that blended Shakespearean wit with pop culture. Some songs had me tearing up, while others made me want to jump out of my seat and dance. By the time the 20-minute interval came around, I was already looking for tickets to watch it again (it was sold out though 😢).

What surprised me most was how freeing it felt to be there alone. I could enjoy the show at my own pace, fully immersed in the moment. I even ended up chatting with the friendly people next to me, who were just as swept up in the excitement.

After the show, I was able to take a leisurely wander around a bookshop, and take my time getting on transport home while everyone else seemed to rush about around me. I was weepy with happiness all the way home and for most of the evening. I’d had the best time ever.

The fact that you can’t take pictures in the theatre or record somehow made things even more special. But I suppose the only downside is that I felt like I had no one to talk to about it and I wanted to yap about it for days!

Why a Solo Theatre Date Is Worth It

If you’ve ever hesitated to take yourself on a solo date, let me give you 5 reasons why I now think you should go for it:

1. No Scheduling Hassles – No waiting on friends to confirm plans, no coordinating schedules—just book and go.
2. Total Freedom – You can pick the show you want to see, sit where you like, and react however you feel.
3. A Confidence Boost – Doing things alone (especially for the first time) feels empowering.
4. Immersive Experience – Without distractions, you get to fully enjoy every moment.
5. Better Ticket Options – It can be easier to find single seats than two together – cheaper too!

Final Thoughts: A Five-Star Solo Date

My first solo theatre trip to & Juliet was a total success. Not only was the show a five-star experience, but I left feeling inspired to plan more solo dates in the future. Whether it’s another musical, a solo meal, or even a short getaway, I now see solo adventures in a whole new light (I highly recommend & Juliet whether alone or not though!).

If you’ve been thinking about going to the theatre alone, take this as your sign to do it. You won’t regret it.

Would you like more of this series? Let me know if you would in the comments!

Interested in listening to the & Juliet soundtrack? I loved the Broadway one:

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