Theatre to play Cupid with performances for lonely singles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MARIANNE MACDONALD
Arts Reporter
Do you like the theatre, country pubs, long walks? Do you often spend lonely evenings with a takeaway and a video? Then help is at hand: the Royal Court Theatre is launching a singles night.
The idea is the brainwave of the theatre's manager, Dafydd Rogers, 26, who happens to be single. It will pilot the scheme on a Tuesday night yet to be decided in October. The play on offer will be Steward of Christendom by the Irish playwright Sebastian Barry - fairly serious stuff, but the Royal Court does not intend to change its production schedules.
If it proves successful, a lesbian and gay night will follow and staff speculate that it could reach the point where family matinees and couple's evenings are the ones which have to be themed.
The Royal Court's move, welcomed by the Society of London Theatres as a "great idea", could end the perception that going to the theatre alone is as sad as watching videos on Saturday nights or joining Dateline.
"We are very excited about it. The idea came to me on a whim," said Mr Rogers. "People seem to feel they can't go to the theatre on their own unlike the cinema, where you can see a film alone with no stigma attached."
The theatre in Chelsea, south-west London, does not plan to restrict ticket sales or sell tickets in blocks of one because it believes that married couples will steer a wide berth on the nights concerned. "Singles nights are very successful in New York where the singles scene is kind of hip. Here it has this anorak image," explains Mr Rogers. "There anyone can wander into a singles bar and it's very laid-back."
Staff have been heard discussing how the scheme could be marketed with suggestions the Club 18/30 advertising campaign ("It's not all sex, sex, sex") could be adapted. Enthusiasts also say the theatre's 15-minute intervals provide a perfect opportunity for small talk and a chance for a pick-up.
Those really dedicated to finding a partner might do well to nip down to Watford beforehand. Apparently the local Asda has been experimenting with the genre with marked success.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments