Remember this time last year when you were running round like a headless turkey thinking about what to do on New Year's Eve?

This year there is a heap of good stuff happening to help you celebrate the new year and a lot of it is on your doorstep. Why travel up to town and pay inflated prices when music and comedy venues are providing entertainment at a fraction of the cost right here?

If you fancy a musical start to 2002 then get down to the Half Moon, Putney where top tribute band T-Rextasy will be appearing. This is without a doubt the most glamorous way to see in the new year.

The band aren't just the best tribute to T-Rex, they are in fact the UK's best tribute act period. When the BBC set out to find the very best in tribute bands, Terry Wogan and Ulrika Johnson hosted the fun show, Battle Of The Fantasy Bands. The top prize of Best Tribute Band was voted by the studio audience who were won over by T-Rextasy's authenticity and glamorous appeal.

T-Rextasy made their debut in 1992 in a small club in Hackney. The venue sold out with new and old T-Rex fans, including ex-T-Rex drummer, Bill Legend.

With T-Rextasy, who are being joined by original T-Rex keyboard player Dino Dines, counting down to midnight, this will be a party to remember.

For licensing reasons exclusive to New Year's Eve, this will be a ticket only event. Patrons without an advance ticket will unfortunately not be admitted.

If that sounds too noisy for you, then exercise your chuckle muscles down at the Banana Cabaret comedy club, Balham.

Now, £50 might seem a lot of dosh for a few laughs, but they have a line-up which is second to none.

John Moloney, Will Smith, Daniel Kitson and Dave Johns will be providing the comedy, so expect more than a laugh or two.

Upper crust Will Smith portrays a splendid combination of arrogance, social ineptitude and sexual deviancy, while John Moloney, who represented England and Ireland in the accordion championship at the National Folk Awards, will provide a more acerbic approach to his comedy.

Daniel Kitson first made his name when he made the finals of the Hackney Empire Best New Act of the Year award in 1998. Since then his self-deprecating humour and acidic put-downs have made him one of the circuits favourites, and led to a Perrier nomination at this year's Edinburgh Festival.

But if you want something a bit more energetic, there are plenty of nightclubs to help you see in the new year.

DJ Stevie Dundee has been creating a few waves at the latest venue to open in Streatham, The Waterfront.

On the night, Stevie will be playing a mix of Rn'B, 70s and 80s soul, with a big splash of those essential party rhythms. Kicking off at 8pm, they will be going right through to 3am. Tickets are £20 and are available on 020 8764 3985.

Kingston's leading nightspot, The Works, is also offering a 3am finish with DJs, drinking and dancing. Tickets for this are £25 and are available by calling 020 8541 4411.

But if it is value for money you are after, then check out The Venue. Hampton Court's newest nightspot is offering a great night of music and dance for £10. They will be playing an eclectic mix of soul, Rn'B, garage and swing from 9pm right through to 3am.

So no matter what your ideal New Year's Eve is, there is bound to be something for you.

December 28, 2001 15:01