Flat broke but FABULOUS

[Penny Golightly]

I thought it would be an idea to have a thread for anyone who's flat broke and needs a bit of cheering up. So here's the first post. The only rules are it should be for fun things, and either be free or very very cheap (preferably £1 or £2, and no more than £5).

So let's start with BOOKS! It's magic getting lost in a good book. Borrow books for free from the local library, swap with friends, or pick them up for nothing from your local bookcrossing group (find them on http://www.bookcrossing.com )

If you have a pound or two to spare, buy second hand from a charity shop. Or hunt down what you want on ReadItSwapIt or BookMooch, and just pay for the postage.
http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx
http://bookmooch.com/

If there's a specific title you're after then track it down on eBay, or the marketplaces on Amazon.co.uk or Play.com, and make sure you don't get overcharged on the postage and packaging fees.

[emmacossey]

Free theatre tickets for under 26s!

http://www.anightlessordinary.org.uk/

I get weekly e-mails from my nearest one in Bracknell, but it would be especially useful in London where some of the big shows are playing.

Also, http://www.applausestore.com/ for free tickets to go see your favourite show being filmed.

[Penny Golightly]

Thanks Emma, love both those ideas

Do you want to go to the 'Introduce yourself' forum and say hi as well? Give us an idea of the sorts of bargains you might be interested in!

Penny x

[Penny Golightly]

If you're down in the dumps about being skint then some COMEDY might be just what you need to perk you up.

Record a few of your comedy favourite shows and have a free themed night in (zero-cost if you already have freeview or use free TV downloading). You can also borrow DVD comedy box sets or films free from friends, or for £1-£2 from your local library. Make a night of it by inviting friends round and making popcorn and hotdogs - with any luck they'll bring a few beers along with them.

If you're sick of staying at home, track down a free or cheap comedy night nearby. Lots of pubs have upstairs rooms where you can see open mic or tryout nights, and if the host's well-connected you might get to see some famous names performing. Scott Capurro did a set at my unassuming local last year for less than £5 per person, and they've also played host to Isy Suttie and many others.

Try the local paper, look out for flyers in the pub, or sign up for newsletters. Some useful websites:
http://www.chortle.co.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/ (includes free downloads)

And for Londoners:
http://www.londonisfunny.com/
http://www.timeout.com/london/comedy/

[Penny Golightly]

Time to revive this thread, I think.

*bump*