In January we know it can sometimes feel like fun is hard to come by, with work stresses and financial restraints taking the driving seat. However, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way, with several affordable and enjoyable activities for you to do in Leeds this winter. Warm up your winter with comedy If you haven't yet heard of South African stand-up Trevor Noah, then you soon will have, as his reputation continues to grow within the world of comedy. Building on a successful 2013 which saw him star on TV panel shows 8 out of 10 Cats and QI, Noah looks set to build on this, with his nationwide tour before heading back to his native South Africa. With his Leeds date having already sold out, you'll be lucky to find tickets, so you may have to travel to Sheffield to catch this up and coming comic later this month. - 20 Jan: City Varieties Have yourself a ‘perfect day’ with Lou Reed Something a little different to your standard cinema trip, playing at the charming Hyde Park Picture House, Julian Schnabel’s Berlin is a must see this winter. The concert film is about a five day stay in St. Ann’s warehouse in Brooklyn while touring his 1973 album, Berlin. This film captures the story of the album, a tale of a deteriorating and doomed relationship, while offering an insight into Lou Reed himself and his unsteady, drug-saturated lifestyle. - Hyde Park Picture House, February 1st TV stars head to Leeds You've watched their progress for the past few months, and although the show has now finished, you can still get your Strictly Come Dancing fix this January. Catch this season's stars throwing shapes in Leeds as the tour heads to the First Direct Arena for an up-close experience of the celebrity dancers. Including the likes of England rugby star Ben Cohen to TV funny man Mark Benton, a host of famous faces will be trotting their tango and waltzing in Leeds this month. - 24 Jan – 26 Jan: First Direct Arena Some Girl I Used to Know The story of a young, happily married woman uprooting her life for temptations from the past, this modernised romantic comedy is both relatable and touching. Staring the acclaimed actress Denise Van Outen and featuring artists from the 1980s and 90s, such as Culture Club and Soft Cell, this play will not disappoint. - West Yorkshire Playhouse, January 30th-February 8th Mint Warehouse birthday bash Fancy a night out on the town, but feel city nightlife hasn’t been up to its normal standard in recent weeks? Mint Warehouse’s 2nd anniversary promises to be an exceptional night with first-rate artists, such as; Hot Since 82, Ben Pearce and Route 94. - Mint Warehouse, January 24th Photo Credit: polkadotandplaid via Compfight cc