February Fun in London

After the excesses of Christmas and the let down of back-to-work in January, why not treat yourself to a short break to London in February. You’ll have the twin benefits of no tourist hoards and much marked down accommodation prices. The weather is always mild and there’s lots going on in addition to the normal tourist attractions. Here are a few out of the ordinary suggestions.

London’s theatre life is famous. Running in January/February but not for much longer are:

COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) - until 30 Mar 2003. This long-running show is still as fresh and funny as ever as the Reduced Shakespeare Company squish the Bard's complete works into two hours. A hilarious triumph by a seriously sharp outfit. More details at: www.albemarle-london.com/reducedshakespeare.html#1

HMS PINAFORE - until 01 Mar 2003. A real British experience - Gilbert and Sullivan at the Savoy Theatre. The First Sea Lord, his female entourage and the love of a humble British Tar for his Captain's daughter all contribute to the fun of this show. Well worth a trip to the magnificent surroundings of this lovely theatre. More details at: www.albemarle-london.com/hmspinafore.html

MACBETH - until 29 Mar 2003 Sean Bean and Samantha Bond appear in this faithful period rendering of The Scottish Play. A superior production invests the early witchcraft and murder with a real feeling of dread, and strong performances keep the audience breathless throughout one of Shakespeare's bloodiest dramas. More details at: www.albemarle-london.com/macbeth.html

WHAT THE NIGHT IS FOR - until 23 Feb 2003 With GILLIAN ANDERSON and ROGER ALLAM. Interesting to see how Agent Scully copes in this challenging role; Hollywood stars have recently confounded doubters with their ability in similar productions. More details at: www.albemarle-london.com/whatthenight.html

Other events of note are:

STAR TREK: THE ADVENTURE until 31 Jan 2003 at Hyde Park. Star Trek The Adventure begins its first stop on a worldwide tour with a massive exhibit of Star Trek’s technology, props, sets, costumes. This never before seen multi-media interactive experience brings visitors through four decades of Star Trek adventures. Resistance is futile! More details at: www.startrekuk.com/community/events/TheAdventure.asp

BOND, JAMES BOND – EXHIBITED - until 02 Mar 2003 at The Science Museum. This highly popular exhibition explores the science and art of the Bond films through one of the most comprehensive collection of original 007 objects ever assembled. From Rosa Klebb’s infamous flick-knife shoe through to plans for spectacular stunts and Oddjob’s killer bowler hat. More details at: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/bond

TYRANNOSAURUS REX - until 17 Feb 2003 in The Natural History Museum. The Natural History Museum brings this beloved creature of terror to life - in the form of the world's most advanced robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex. The model standing four metres high and nearly seven metres long looks, moves, sounds and even smells like a dinosaur. Be prepared to be scared! More details at: www.nhm.ac.uk

AZTECS - MAJOR EXHIBITION - until 11 Apr 2003 at The Royal Academy of Arts. This is the largest single Aztec exhibition ever mounted. The weird and often brutal world of the Aztecs is explored in great depth through a magnificent collection of artefacts both restored and original. An exquisite, informative and thought-provoking show. More details at: www.royalacademy.org.uk/?lid=32

A CENTURY OF ROYAL WEDDING DRESSES – until 01 Apr 2003 at Kensington Palace. This special Golden Jubilee exhibition has as its centrepiece the dress worn by the Queen for her wedding to Prince Phillip in 1947. It’s shown together with the wedding dresses of Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and that of the Queen Mother. There’s also a display of dresses belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales including her collection of evening gowns. More details at: www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/content.asp?ID=38

Where to stay? Forget about boring hotels, live among the natives in a vacation rental!

There’s very good value to be had with Coach House London Vacation Rentals - specialists in London short term rentals. Most of their properties are the homes of Londoners who are away and, unique in London, their minimum length of stay is 5 nights - all other agencies are 7. Because it’s the low season many of their properties can be rented at a discount of 20%.

Each rental comes with its own mini guide to the area covering the neighbourhood shops, local transport, pubs, restaurants and cafés. They provide a starter pack of breakfast provisions to cover the first day or two of your stay, and a telephone help line to provide you with answers to questions about London, what to do and see. They’ll also arrange a driver and car to meet you at the airport and take you to your rental. Go to www.rentals.chslondon.com for full details.