Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 27 November-3 December 2017

By Kyra Hanson Last edited 76 months ago

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Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 27 November-3 December 2017

All week

GAGGED CARTOONS: You might think these tongue in cheek squiggles are harmless but repressive governments aren't a fan. As part of the exhibition, you can hear a talk from political cartoonist Andy Davey with Jodie Ginsberg from Index on Censorship and Guardian cartoonist Martin Rowson (28 November). Westminster Reference Library, free, just turn up, until 1 December

JAZZ EXHIBITION: No jazz fan should miss the opportunity to see these dynamic black and white photos capturing young jazz talent in action by award-winning photographer Jim Grover. Omnibus Theatre, free, just turn up, until 3 December

SEEKING SHELTER: The ground floor of the Jewish Museum has been transformed into an installation on the theme of shelter, to mark the festival of Sukkot, which remembers when Jewish people spent 40 years in exile from Egypt. Jewish Museum, free, just turn up, until 3 December

SUPERBUGS: Will we ever get to the point where potentially fatal bacteria will become resistant to all our antibiotics? Important questions about a massive medical issue that kills over 700,000 people a year and the focus of a new display at on superbugs. The Science Museum, free, just turn up, until Spring 2019

Monday 27 November

GoT FILM MARATHON: Winter is coming, so you're probably looking for something to fill that big Game of Thrones shaped hole in your life? GoT fans should tune into this free film marathon of ALL seven seasons. There will be pizza breaks to keep you going. The Prince Charles Cinema, free, book ahead, 7pm, non-stop until 30 November

SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS: Christmas at the V&A has kicked off approximately a month early, but we're not complaining as it means squeezing in lots of fabulously festive events, such as the intriguing, Singing Tree, which is illuminated by being fed with your words. The V&A, various prices, book ahead, until 6 January

HACKNEY SOCIETY: Got love for Hackney? Spread it at this panel discussion, marking the Hackney Society's 50th birthday, where you'll hear from contributors to the book: Hackney: Portrait Of A Community 1967 - 2017. Pages of Hackney, £4, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

CIRCUS NOIR: This modern Gypsy jazz trio sounds like they can liven up even the gloomiest of Mondays. And they're playing in a badass venue — the world's oldest surviving music hall. Wilton's Music Hall, free, just turn up, 7pm

MAN UP!: Settle in for a night of short documentaries exploring what it's like to be a man in 2017 in London, plus see archival footage of men throughout the decades for comparison. Hackney Picturehouse, £5, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

Tuesday 28 November

Settle in for a night of shorts at Kino London's open-mic film night.

SUSTAINABLE ART: It's not just the "student-priced drinks" you'll find visually appealing at this art show, featuring sustainable fashion, plastic bag sculptures and video responding to the rush hour crush. The Play Space (Camberwell), free, just turn up, 6pm-10.30pm tonight, until 30 November

FIGHTING PROUD: Ever wondered what it was like for gay men in the army? Find out in this illustrated talk telling the story of those who fought in two world wars. The National Archives, £5, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

THE THINKING STAGE: If you've got more stuff than space, you might benefit from this talk on the art of being frugal. WeWork (Old Street), free, book ahead, 6.30pm

KINO SHORTS: London's eclectic open-mic short film night is hosting its last screening of 2017. Bring your mates, grab some popcorn and settle in for some weird and wonderful films. Candid Arts Basement (Islington), £5/£4, book ahead, 7pm-10.30pm

Wednesday 29 November

Join the Science Museum for a celebration of India’s contribution to science, technology and mathematics

REBUILDING FROM SCRATCH: Things are getting apocalyptic at this cinema talk, which discusses what key knowledge you would need to survive and reboot civilisation if Trump (or someone else...) got their fingers on the nuclear button. Regent Street Cinema, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

SCIENCE LATE: Learning is so much more fun when it's after hours and there's an intergalactic silent disco involved. Also tonight: Learn how to spin bowl from legendary cricketer Monty Panesar, take a guided tour of the object conservation lab and create your own Kolam or Rangoli pattern at this India-inspired late. Science Museum, free, just turn up, 6.45pm-10pm

MIDTOWN DEBATES: Despite our aversion to the rebranding of this Bloomsbury area as 'Midtown', this debate on the future of the workplace in an age of AI, the gig economy and flexible working sounds pretty interesting. WeWork Waterhouse Square, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Thursday 30 November

Queen with Pansies © Rose Wylie

ROSE WYLIE: See these colourful, fun paintings inspired by art history, cinema and comic books, daily observations, news and celebrity stories from 83-year-old British artist Rose Wylie. Serpentine Gallery, free, just turn up, until 11 February

MOTION AND MUSIC: Music and art go hand in hand in this show in which Oscar Lewis has created a series of animations responding to the late Slade painter Bomberg. Borough Road Gallery (Elephant & Castle), free, 6pm-9pm

MEDIUM ON TRIAL: Helen Duncan, sometimes known as Scotland's last witch, made a living by conducting séances throughout Britain but was eventually imprisoned for her activities. Hear about her remarkable life from Geraldine Beskin of the Atlantis Bookshop. The Bell (Aldgate), £5/£2, book ahead, 7.45pm

Friday 1 December

A literary salon that doesn't take itself too seriously.

ART FOR LOVE: This lovely heart-covered Christmas tree isn't just a token pic for your Instagram. Written on the hearts are the wishes of people in need. If you're feeling generous you're welcome to 'honour' those wishes. Gifts will then be delivered to The Connection Charity Centre on Christmas Day. Devonshire Square, free, just turn up, until 19 December

LANTERN PARADE: Poplar's Chrisp Street Market is getting the festive treatment, complete with carols, a lovely lantern parade and most exciting of all, a giant snow globe photo booth. Chrisp Street Market, free, just turn up, 3.20pm-6pm

WINDOW WANDERLAND: We love the idea of this neighbourhood event, which sees Aldgate's residents decorate their windows, creating a festive trail for all to explore. Aldgate, free, just turn up, 5pm-8pm, until 3 December

WINETASTING: The best things in life are free and of the alcoholic variety. Enjoy a sophisticated evening swilling Aussie wine after hours. After Hours (Whitechapel Gallery), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-9pm

LIT SALON: Looking for feedback on your literary masterpieces? You'll find it at Christopher Bliss's hilarious, witty monthly salon but, be warned, it might not be what you want to hear. Camden Comedy Club, £5, book ahead, 8pm-10pm

Saturday 2 December

The Science Museum's interactive gallery Wonderlab, will be open exclusively to Night Owls guests.

LIGHT INSTALLATION: If you're feeling down, this exhibition: Walk Towards the Light aims to cheer you up. How? With the power of neon light, of course. Lauren Baker Gallery, free, just turn up, until 24 December

CHRISTMAS JUMPER: It's that time of year when offices everywhere get Christmas jumper fever and now there's an opportunity to create your one — the uglier the better. Covent Garden Craft, free, book ahead, 11am

NIGHT OWLS: Anyone with an Autism Spectrum Condition is welcome to attend this quieter science-filled after-hours event and get stuck in with all the museum's wonderful interactive exhibits. Science Museum, free, book ahead, 6.45pm-10.30pm

SOBER PARTY: This sober queer-tastic night out is perfect for anyone steering clear of the booze, as the venue has a decent selection of non-alcoholic beverages. DIY Space for London, £3.78, book ahead, 8pm-midnight

Sunday 3 December

A Greenwich classroom has been transformed into a magical gnome's grotto.

WRNS UNTOLD STORIES: Get your her-story fix at this exhibition, revealing the lives and experiences of the women who served and trained in Greenwich to mark the centenary of the formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Old Royal Naval College, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm

WINTER GROTTO: We defy any kid (or adult for that matter) to not fall in love with this gnome grotto, which parent Michael Beverley has spent nine years perfecting. Expect a crystal mirrors’ cave,  fairy spirits created by a Victorian illusion technique, and a waterfall-powered xylophone. Greenwich Steiner School, Blackheath, £3, just turn up 11am-5pm

Last Updated 24 November 2017