THOOSA'S JANUARY - RELAX

According to almost every magazine and newspaper supplement, this January you should be spending mainly relaxing by the side of a gorgeous pool, sipping green tea cocktails, either in some sun-drenched destination or at a gorgeous boutique spa in the country. Well...we can all dream. Time, or whatever, not permitting, here are some other suggestions.

1. This week’s Film – Monsters.
A new spin on alien-invasion movies. A gripping tale involving a road trip, romance and an ‘infected’ region full of aliens. Basically it has it all. Popcorn anyone?


2. Ice Music, Sommerset House, London, WC2, 7 - 9 January.
Bizarre but possibly terribly beautiful. Norwegian composer and instrumentalist Terje Isungset is performing three concerts a day inside what’s described as “an intimate urban igloo” on Somerset House’s River Terrace, using a variety of ice instruments, some carved from ancient Norwegian glaciers. Must be seen to be believed.


3. The Young Vermeer, National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, until 13 March.
If you’re a fan then this exhibition is a must. It reunites three early compositions, two of them loans, for the first time.


4. Lucrezia Borgia, Coliseum, WC2, 31 January – 3 March
If, like us, one of your New Year plans is to get a little more culture in your life then this might be just the ticket. Mike Figgis makes his operatic directional debut with this ENO production of Donizetti’s drama.


5. Mariella Frostrup’s New Year Books.
Twelve books to while away the long winter nights. To make sure you relax properly after your long runs, Thoosa recommends a good read. Mariella Frostrup, journalist and presenter of The Book Show (every Thursday, 9pm Sky Arts 1 HD), shares her insider knowledge. Review, invest and relax!


6. Black Swan, Out 21 January
A psychological thriller that’s as stylish and beautiful at is it terrifying. Starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis as competing ballerinas, we’re scared already!