Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
Monday 6 January
CHANGING SPACES: London artist Jonathan O'Dea presents an exhibition at Rich Mix that explores the physical changes to our environment and how these changes impact on our visual culture. Free, just turn up, until 31 January
Tuesday 7 January
LIONEL RICH TEA: Ok, so you know how London is 'eclectic' and 'has something for everyone'? Good, here goes: go to Drink, Shop & Do in King's Cross tonight and receive a couple of Rich Tea biscuits in which you are asked to etch a design of Lionel Ritchie's face. We're not making this up. The best one wins a prize (!). Free, just turn up, from 7pm
Wednesday 8 January
CINEMA SPOTLIGHTS: Whirlygig Cinema’s Spotlights is back at Hackney Attic for a new year of monthly short film showcases. This time, the focus is on animation. £5/£4, prebook, 7.30pm
Thursday 9 January
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: A month of activities showcasing the Waterloo Sights & Sounds project (to document changes to the social landscape of the area) begins today with a soundscape and photographic exhibition at Morley Gallery (see 11 Jan for more free activities). Free, just turn up, until 30 Jan
LIGHT PRINCESS: Director Marianne Elliott and designer Rae Smith reflect on the National Theatre's lovely musical The Light Princess at this Platform event. £4/£3, prebook, 6pm
QUIZ: A quizzing event at Hackney Attic takes on the theme of 'action heroes' - testing your knowledge of muscle men and wonder women in a series of interactive rounds. £4, prebook, 7pm
LONDON LANDSCAPE: As a city with such a rich history, it may be no surprise that London has its fair share of urban legends. Join the South East London Folklore Society for a talk on London's Legendary Landscape, at The Old King's Head on Borough High Street. £2.50, just turn up, 8-10pm
Friday 10 January
ICE ICE BABY: There aren't many events that combine chainsaws with thermal leggings, but the London Ice Sculpting Festival at Canary Wharf is one of them. Starting today for three days, head along to see timed challenges and partake in a masterclass session. Free, just turn up, until 12 January
MOON: The Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf is being declared a Republic of the Moon. A group of artists present a provocative exhibition that examines our relationship with the satellite using performances, workshops, music and talks (pictured above). Free, just turn up, until 2 February
Saturday 11 January
FANS: The Fan Museum in Greenwich reopens today with Hatch, Match & Despatch' (Part II) — a new exhibition displaying fans which commemorate births, marriages and deaths. £4/£3, just turn up, until 1 June
LOCAL HISTORY: Have you got an interesting story to tell about the SE1 area? Join Waterloo Sights & Sounds at Morley Gallery to take part in an oral history recording (free, just turn up, 11am-4pm). Or, you can attend a sound walk around the area to re-acquaint yourself with the undervalued sense of hearing with sound artist Tansy Spinks. Free, prebook, 2pm
Check out our map of free things to do in London for more frugal fun.
