London On The Cheap

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 193 months ago
London On The Cheap
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Doesn't sunshine make everything seem better? Alright, it's been brass monkeys but nothing lifts the winter blues like bright skies, crisp air and early daffodils. It's half term for most kids this week so your commute might even be more pleasant. In which case, perhaps you'll be more inclined to get out after work and try something different that's light on your wallet and heavy on aceness. After all, we really can't afford good tickets for the Royal Ballet's sensationally contemporary Chroma this week. Neither can we hope to put a deposit down on a flat (ever). We can, however, put ourselves about at the following bargain events.

Monday: We definitely prefer the TV series and wouldn't have paid to see the film at the normal cinema but tonight there's a free screening of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy film at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf at 7.30pm. This also seems an opportune moment to tell you that the original radio cast of HG2G are due to reunite after the next Douglas Adams memorial lecture on 12 March to mark the 30th anniversary of the first radio broadcast. Check it out.

Tuesday: What goes on in the mind of the artist? For just £5 you can find out at 6.30pm at the Louise T Blouin Foundation. Professor John Onians speaks on 'Neuroarthistory. How the eye moves the artist's hand and how art moves us all'. Coo-eck, it sounds highbrow.

Wednesday: Thankfully the Dana Centre was canny and didn't schedule Dinner@Dana: Game of Love for Valentine's Day. This is a singles event in the name of science. Sign up for free in advance here. If the thought of this turns your stomach, get along to the Roxy on Borough High Street instead for the launch of the next dreadfully fabulous edition of One Eye Grey. Shamus Dark will be performing Songs for Suicidal Lovers at 8.15pm and there will be a screening of the "cinematic version of the magic-cum-freakshow that was Oddfellow's Casino". Get your mind blown for free. Thursday: If you can get out and about this afternoon, book a free place at the Wellcome Collection's talk on the man himself, pioneering and voracious collector and major philanthropist, Henry Wellcome at 3pm. Like a bit of contemporary, German, choral music? You don't know, do you? The BBC Singers can help you find out with their free concert at St Giles, Cripplegate from 6.30pm. Get your tickets here. Friday: The front room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall is a highly pleasant place to hang out even if the bar is notoriously slow. From 5.45pm this evening you can hear world music grooves from Solenca. An ideal way to warm up for the weekend. Saturday: Opening today is Derek Jarman curated by Isaac Julien at the Serpentine Gallery. Last seen by Londonist collaborating with dancer Russell Maliphant at Sadlers Wells, film artist Julien creates an "immersive environment" for the reappraisal of Jarman's work, including the debut of Julien's own film about Jarman. Very cool and very free. Sunday: OK, so we can't find anything particular you could be doing for free today so, in the hope that this glorious wintry sunniness continues we suggest you head into town and visit one of our excellent free museums, take a stroll in a park and generally enjoy being a Londoner about town.Or, you could stay in and alphabetise your books.

For free things to do with kids during half-term check London is Free.

Last Updated 17 February 2008