London On The Cheap

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 194 months ago
London On The Cheap
jeff.jpg

Three weeks into the New Year, probably one week until payday and telly's rubbish (except for new CSI), the weather's grey and the detox is wearing thin. Don't give in to those January blues! Here's what can get you out of the house for not a lot of wonga this week.

Monday: This is the most depressing day of the year. We've said it before but we're going to say it again because we know it will cheer you up: essential cheap entertainment for this gloomiest of Mondays is the After School Club from 8.30pm, upstairs at the Liberties Bar, Camden. Just £5 will secure you merriment, silliness, cake and friendliness. Even better for us, we've been 5 times now so this one's free. And the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet theatre will be there. Yesssssss! In your face, January.

Tuesday: Hear clever people talk about robots and hybrid life forms at the hip and groovy Dana Centre from 7pm, where science is way cool and these events are free (but please book). Or do intelligent debate in a pub with beer to discuss "Is Heritage History" with the interesting sounding Big Ideas people.

Wednesday: Noodle away to some free jazz at the Theatre Royal Bar, Stratford from 8pm. Thursday: Back at the Science Museum's Dana Centre you can go and laugh at male hypochondria with John Ryan with Hurt Until it Laughs from 7pm. Again, it's free but please book. Friday: At 7pm take an alternative look at the National Portrait Gallery collection with "Do I look queer? Some explicit portraits" and be lead on a tour to find evidence of queer lives in unexpected places (this is free but you must book a place in advance). And/or beetle over to the V&A for their Friday Late night till 10pm, this month in collaboration with the Crafts Council. There will be an installation featuring ballroom dancing, a carpet of icing sugar, biscuits and the chance to participate as well as DJs, talks and other great stuff, all for free. Saturday: If you're lucky, there might still be the odd ticket available for Sadlers Wells Sampled tonight or tomorrow at 7.30pm (just £5 standing). Sunday: Burns Night gets cool at the Big Chill House, Kings Cross from 7pm, totally free. Expect the full shebang of haggis, kilts, whisky and ceilidh dancing till midnight. Slainte va! Or, you could stay in and learn a musical instrument. The kazoo, perhaps? Or the comb.


Image of Jeff the Sandwich, of After School Club fame.

With many thanks to the London Freelist. Check the websites for more information.

Last Updated 20 January 2008