Last year, I saw that Jason Donovan was on tour in 2025. I’ve been a lifelong fan, getting his first album on vinyl when I was just 8 years old, and to this day some of the songs from that very album still feature on my regular playlist. 

I immediately booked a ticket for his performance at Symphony Hall. Just one ticket, just for me. I didn’t even think of asking anyone else if they wanted to come with me, because I knew instantly that this was something that I wanted to do by myself. 

Selfish? Probably, but as soon as there are other people involved everything becomes more complicated. And I didn’t want to risk the evening being ruined. 

Solo date nights are something that I have started to embrace wholeheartedly. I’ve always believed in the power of doing things for yourself and it’s not uncommon for me to go to a restaurant for lunch by myself or explore things in London alone when I am there for work, but over the last few years I have really started to lean into it. Imagine this: an uninterrupted afternoon or evening where you take yourself out and do exactly what you want to do, without compromise, guilt, or having to coordinate schedules with anyone else.

If that sounds like heaven, it’s because (in the right situation), it is. 

In February, after six months of waiting, I took myself to see Jason Donovan in concert. I treated myself to a few pre-show cocktails first, and then I sang along, I danced a little in my seat, and I didn’t have to explain to anyone why it meant so much to me. It was just me and the music and the memories. No need to check if someone else was enjoying themselves. No one rolling their eyes at how excited I was. It was mine. I also got to fulfil a lifelong dream by duetting Especially for You with him. He didn’t know that obviously – he had a talented female vocalist on stage with him who was actually singing Kylie’s part, but I’m pretty sure that he heard me screaming it at him from the audience.

Within the same week, I went to see the Bat Out of Hell musical by myself. It is currently back on tour and after falling in love with it in 2022, I was determined to see it as much as I could. So, I went to a matinee performance with my friend, saw it again with The Bloke one evening, and treated myself to a third performance just for me (watching it three times in just ten days). It was loud, emotional, theatrical, and so much fun – just me, my snacks, and a whole lot of joy. And to make it even better, I went to the stage door and got a picture with Glenn Adamson, one of my favourite musical theatre performers. I’m not going to insult him by sharing the picture that I took – I was red-faced and sweaty because I was so excited to meet him, and he had just done an epic performance and was ambushed by us as he walked out of the door – but he was BEYOND kind and lovely to chat with.

And after the matinee performance, I went for a wander around town and took myself to the Jellycat store in Selfridges to see what all the fuss is about. Did I nearly spend £20 on a stuffed furry boiled egg? Did I also end up on FaceTime with my friend because she wanted a peanut keyring? Yes. Yes I did.

I’m so easily influenced…

There’s something deeply satisfying about giving yourself permission to enjoy what you love without needing to share the experience to validate it. You don’t need a plus-one to make it special. In fact, going solo can sometimes make it more special. It becomes a personal celebration, a reminder that your happiness doesn’t have to depend on anyone else.

And no, it’s not lonely. It’s liberating.

Tips for Making the Most of a Solo Date Night (and Staying Safe While You Do)

If going on a solo date night sounds like a lot of fun, here are a few tips to help you make it not just enjoyable, but safe and memorable too.

Embrace the Freedom: The best part of a solo date is that you get to do exactly what you want. No negotiating, no compromises. Want to show up early and read your book with a cocktail? Do it. Want to stay for the encore and belt out the lyrics? No one’s stopping you. Enjoy the freedom of it being about you – that’s the whole point.

Share Your Plans with Someone: Just because you’re going solo doesn’t mean you should go completely off the grid. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be home, especially if you’re heading out at night or to a new place. If I go out without The Bloke, I always make sure that he knows exactly where I will be, the time I am approximately expected to be back and my plans on how I am getting home. If those plans change or I am delayed, I text him to keep him informed. There is never any pressure or obligation from him for me to do this and I am never on a time limit, it is more to give us both peace of mind.

Choose a Venue That Feels Familiar: If you’re new to going out solo, start by going to places where you’re more likely to feel confident and relaxed, perhaps somewhere local, familiar, and well-lit. Both the Jason Donovan and Bat Out of Hell shows were at venues that I have been to countless times, I knew the area extremely well and knew the nearest taxi ranks so my travel home late at night would be safe. 

Stay Aware, Stay Present and Know Your Limits: Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if you’re walking or using public transport late at night. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, leave. Joy doesn’t have to come at the expense of your comfort. If you’re drinking, pace yourself – it’s always a good idea to be in full control of your decisions when you’re on your own.

Have a Safety Net: I know that if something happens, I can call The Bloke at any time of night and he will immediately jump in the car and will come and pick me up. If I’m ever out on my own, I have a small cross-body bag that is enough to carry my purse and my phone. Separately, I have my house keys in my jeans pocket and a £20 note in my bra or sock. That way, if my bag gets stolen and I am unable to contact The Bloke, I am always able to get home. 

Ditch the Awkwardness: If you’re worried about people judging you for being alone – here’s the truth: most people don’t care. Doing things alone isn’t weird – it’s powerful.

So if you’ve been thinking about booking that ticket, taking that little trip, or just having a night out for you… do it. Don’t wait for company. You are more than enough company. Because here’s the secret: the best date you’ll ever have might just be the one where you take yourself out and come home feeling joyful.

Here’s to solo date nights. To prioritising yourself. To Jason Donovan. And to doing what lights you up.