Things To Do In London This Week: 14-20 August 2017

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Things to do this week is sponsored by Luna Cinema.

All week

Future Forest comes to Westfield London

SECRETS OF THE MOVIES: A snapshot of contemporary poster design and behind the scenes photography from the best UK films released in cinema this year. Don't forget to check out the LEGO model cinema, too. The Gallery (Soho) free, just turn up, until 24 August

LOCAL FRINGE: If a trip to Edinburgh Fringe isn't on the cards this year, no worries because Camden Fringe has you sorted with a whole heap of shows, from comedy to opera, and Q&As to poetry slams. There's so much on each day you really are spoilt for choice. Camden People's Theatre, various prices, book ahead, until 27 August

FUTURE FOREST: It might not be the first place to cross your mind when you think of the great outdoors, but Westfield is hosting a stunning indoor forest, designed to give an insight into the future of nature and its role shaping urban landscapes. Westfield London (Shepherd's Bush), free, just turn up, midday-8pm, 15-28 August

Monday 14 August

Kids will love learning about the creepy crawlies that inhabit London's Royal Parks

BUTTERFLY HOUSE: Get up close with hundreds of beautiful butterflies as the Horniman Museum opens its tropical indoor garden. This specially-planted habitat is the perfect place to discover more about these fluttering friends. Horniman Museum and Gardens (Forest Hill), £5.40, book ahead,10am-4.30pm

SNAIL CARAVAN: Join this giant story-telling snail in getting closer to nature. Learn more about the wonderful world of invertebrates and the fascinating creatures that inhabit London's Royal Parks. Regent's Park, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm

WUNDERKAMMER: Improv comedy inspired by TED-style talks from experts. Neither the audience nor the performers have seen the talks before, making for a unique evening of discovery and laughter. The Vaults (Waterloo), £8, book ahead, 7pm

EXTREME CHEESE: Taste the smelliest, biggest, strongest and oldest cheese around at this evening of extreme cheese. We're all cheesed out just thinking about it. Vivat Bachhus (Farringdon), £20, book ahead, 7pm

GLOBAL SOULS: Elif Shafak is one of today's most respected public intellectuals and cultural commentators, and the most widely read female writer in Turkey. Speaking on how the world can navigate today's challenges, she argues we must focus on building bridges, not walls. St. Martin in the Fields, free, book ahead, 7pm

LOVE LETTER TO ASIA: Set in a karaoke bar somewhere in Asia, this performance inspired by living and working in the continent features dance routines, confessions and endless hashtags. Camden People's Theatre (King's Cross), £7.50, book ahead, 7.15pm

Tuesday 15 August

A rock n roll tour of Camden. Photo: Richard

ROCK N' ROLL: Take a walk on the wild side through Camden's long and colourful rock n' roll history. All the greats have lived, drank and performed in Camden Town — discover the famous and infamous sights on this tour of the area. 184 Camden High Street, £10, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

SO YOU SAY: When ex-lovers meet after many years, what can we believe about the stories they tell? This is an emotional ride through two unreliable and diverging narratives. Part of the Camden Fringe. Tristan Bates Theatre, £10, book ahead, 6.15pm, until 19 August

CHANGE THE WORLD: From underground innovators to pop icons, many have believed in the political power of music. Looking at examples ranging from Beethoven to Beyoncé, musician and activist Dave Randall explores what makes music so powerful in this Q&A. Rye Wax (Peckham), free, just turn up, 7.30pm-9pm

WOMB OF ONE'S OWN: Babygirl grapples with crotchety grandparents, unsympathetic hospital staff and new-found independence in an irreverent show designed to break the taboo around abortion. The Space Theatre, £12, book ahead, 8pm, until 19 August

SPACE ARK: Earth has been destroyed, but don't worry — you've been invited aboard the Space-Ark for the very last sketch show in the universe, in a tribute to Earth's best bits. Part of the Camden Fringe. Etcetera Theatre (Camden), £5, book ahead, 8.30pm-9.30pm


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Watch films by moonlight at The Luna Cinema

Four Weddings and a Funeral © 1994 ORION PICTURES CORPORATION. All Rights Reserved

This summer, The Luna Cinema is screening blockbuster films at open-air venues across London. The weather may not always be on our side, but why not brighten your spirits by watching a classic film under the stars?
See the likes of Top Gun and Pretty Woman, or more recent releases including Fantastic Beasts and La La Land. To mark special anniversaries, Dirty Dancing (30 years), The Graduate (50 years) and Casablanca (75 years) will be repping the classics.

The Luna Cinema pops up in pretty much every corner of London, including Westminster Abbey, One New Change, Chiswick House and Kensington Palace. Why not relax at Alexandra Palace before catching a film with the best views of London, or admire the Houses of Parliament at Victoria Tower Gardens?
Bring a picnic, or make the most of the hot food and bar serving up goodies at each location. Check out the full schedule for The Luna Cinema screenings, which run until 8 October.


Wednesday 16 August

An LGBT running tour of London

DRAW LIKE A DESIGNER: Sharpen up your drawing skills in this practical class teaching all the skills featured in the museum's best selling books. You'll be creating your own collection in no time. Fashion and Textile Museum (Bermondsey), £10, book ahead, 11.30am & 2pm

ONCE I CAUGHT A FISH ALIVE: Kids will love making their own magnetic fishing game and testing out their fishing skills in this make and take family workshop. Cutty Sark, free with admission to ship, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

SOCKS DO SHAKESPEARE: Earth's funniest footwear are back with a new hit show of songs, sketches and violence. Howl at their Hamlet, roar at their Romeo and Juliet and peer into their Coriolanus. Part of the Camden Fringe. The Bill Murray Pub (Islington), £8, book ahead, 6.30pm

CATHEDRAL TOUR: Take a guided tour of Southwark Cathedral and learn about the various literary figures connected with the building — Dickens visited, and it has connections to 17th century theatre, including the work of Shakespeare. Southwark Cathedral, £8, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

TWELTH NIGHT: A modern interpretation of a classic Shakespeare story, with confused identity, cross-dressing and cross-garters sure to make this an evening to remember. Remember to wrap up warm — you'll be watching from the picturesque tea lawn. Lauderdale House, £16, book ahead, 7pm

QUEER RUNNING TOUR:A no-glory-holes-barred running tour of London's 3000-year queer history, explored over a steady 10k run. Facts meet fitness in this historical bonanza dressed in Lyrca. Meet outside the Tower of London, £15, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

CATCHY INTERPRETATIONS: Vintage meets cool with a modern twist, as the Juke Joints perform catchy interpretations of classic pop and R&B songs mixed in with Rat Pack era favourites. 100 Wardour Street, free entry, just turn up, 9pm-11.30pm

Thursday 17 August

Dance inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy

PARADISO: An international creative team and diverse cast come together to produce a sensual, earthly 40-minute dance production inspired by the final part of Dante's Divine Comedy. Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, free, just turn up, 11am/2pm

INDIAN DANCE FEST: This six week journey through Indian dance styles culminates with a folk dance performance from Rajasthani — India's largest state, located on the Western edge of the country. Devonshire Square (Liverpool Street), free, just turn up, 12.30pm-2.30pm

MAGIC OF FLAMENCO: British guitarist Adam Wescott fell in love with flamenco in 2002 after seeing a live performance in Spain. From that moment on, he's dedicated his life to the study of this art form — see him work his magic as he performs live. Yamaha Music London, free, book ahead, 6pm

GROW UP BOX: If the word aquaponic means nothing to you, then this tour of the UK's first aquaponic farm in a shipping container is a great chance to find out what it's all about. You'll even be able to pick your own punnet of delicious salad to take home. Stratford Centre Rooftop, £11, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

TWINE AT TWILIGHT: Enjoy a summer evening in the delightful surrounds of the Chelsea Physic Garden, in this event celebrating fabulous fabrics and the plants that make them. There are plenty of activities to take part in too, including pond dipping. Chelsea Physic Garden, £20, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm

BRUSH AND BUBBLES: Remember how much fun art lessons with school friends used to be? This is the nearest you'll get as an adult, and fittingly, alcohol is involved too. Perfect. The Jam Tree (Chelsea), £30, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

BLIND SPOT: Acclaimed author and photographer Teju Cola brings together his two passions, with images and text transporting you around the world — from New York to Switzerland and the Congo — in this guide to seeing in our troubled times. Royal Festival Hall, £15, book ahead, 7.30pm

POP UP PAINTING: Nurse a glass of wine in one hand and steady your paintbrush in the other, as you paint your own version of a fun carnival image by Anna Tveritinova. Of course, if you're feeling adventurous then fee-styling is welcome too. Urban Meadow (Bayswater), £30, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

TWUMPS BAR: This new pop-up bar is styled on President Trump's own gaudy residence, featuring gold gilt mirrors and showy chaise-lounges. A true French renaissance 'smack in the face', dripping with crystals and bad dictator taste. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 9pm-midnight

THAT LOVING FEELING: Alison Thea-Skot presents this sizzlingly chaotic character comedy, featuring a lovelorn Oyster card. Part of the Camden Fringe. The Bill Murray (Islington), £7.50, book ahead, 9.30pm

Friday 18 August

Do you have what it takes to catch a killer?

TOP TAPESTRY: The Quaker Tapestry is the product of 15 years and 77 panels of stitching and sewing by 4,000 people from around the world. It's on display at Friends House, and today is your last day to catch a glimpse. Friends House (Euston), free, book ahead, 10am-4pm

IT'S CALLED ART, MUM: Polly Nor, known for her dark satirical images of women and their demons, presents a full collection of her digital illustrations alongside original hand-drawings, inspired by stories of anxiety and self doubt. Protein Studios (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 22 August

GEFFRYE TAKEOVER: Discover the museum after hours in this event designed for young people aged 14-19, featuring interactive live street art, open mic and art and film workshops, all served up with delicious DIY mocktails. Geffrye Museum (Hackney), free, book ahead, 6pm-9pm

CRIME SCENE LIVE: Do you have what it takes to catch a killer? Gather evidence as you explore the museum, analyse facts and carry out experiments to find out when, where and how the victim died. Natural History Museum, £60, book ahead, 6.30pm

YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT: Ready your vocal chords because you'll be singing all evening long at this screening of everyone's favourite musical, Grease. There's plenty of food and popcorn, along with a fully stocked bar, too — just don't forget to wrap up warm. Kennington Park, book ahead, 7pm

TWENTY FIRST CENTURY: What price do we pay for the comforts of life? This thought provoking and immersive political theatre piece seeks to address the themes so often swept under the carpet. Part of the Camden Fringe. The Lion and Unicorn (Kentish Town), £8, book ahead, 9.15pm

Saturday 19 August  

A taste of Halal from all over the globe

HOW TO ADULT: A training and networking day comprised of four 50 minute sessions, all designed to teach quick and easy life changes that can be implemented right away. Maybe you can get that promotion after all... Platform (Islington), £39, book ahead, 10am-4pm

MILLINERY TECHNIQUES: Learn how to make a floral festival headband from scratch in this step by step workshop led by an expert. It's the perfect introductory class for the budding milliner, and the price includes all the materials you need too. Fashion and Textile Museum, £40, book ahead, 10.45am

WALKING TOUR: Based on interviews with residents of Kennington and Vauxhall, Memory Maps SE11 have devised a walking tour of the area's architectural history, led by Stephanie Odu — a former resident of the district. Feel free to bring sketchbooks and drawing materials. Jamyang Buddhist Centre (Kennington), £15, book ahead, 11am-1pm

HALAL FOOD FEST: The only halal food festival of its kind in the UK returns to London, showcasing the best in halal food from 100 vendors from around the globe. Tobacco Dock, £10, book ahead, 11am-7pm, repeated tomorrow

SPOTLIGHT: Local businesses come together for a day of free on-street activities, promotions and offers, including performances from Disney's West End musicals and a 250-piece choir. The best bit? The whole area is completely traffic free for the day. Seven Dials, free, just turn up, midday-6pm

HIDDEN HISTORY: Travel across 150 years of tube history in just two hours, starting at London's first ever Underground station and finishing at one of it's futuristic space-age ones. All revenue from the tour goes to Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Paddington mainline concourse, £20, book ahead, 2pm-4pm

CEILIDH DANCING: Come and dance, Scottish style. There'll be live music and a family friendly atmosphere, so no matter what your skill level, you needn't be afraid to put your dancing shoes on. Kensington Gardens, free, just turn up, 2pm-4pm

OUTDOOR CINEMA: Have the time of your life at this screening of rom-com classic Dirty Dancing, set in the beautiful surrounds of Kennington Park. Food and popcorn is available, and don't forget to wrap up warm. Kennington Park, £12, book ahead, 7pm-late

THE OTHER PARADISE: The Royal Academy turns into your playground for the night in this boutique arts festival inspired by ideas of paradise. The dress code? Otherworldly sublime. We're not sure where to begin with that one... Royal Academy of Arts, £45, book ahead, 7pm-11.45pm

PIANO DUET: Pianists Kate Whitley and Richard Uttley recreate music for a whole symphony orchestra with just two people on one keyboard, in this exciting piece originally written for ballet rehearsals. Bold Tendencies (Peckham), £10, book ahead, 8pm-9pm, repeated tomorrow

Sunday 20 August

Create some delicious treats for your feathered friends

BABY: A toe-tapping dance show focusing on the relationships between women of different generations in the birth and bringing up of Baby, followed by an on-stage disco for all the family. Part of the Camden Fringe. The Cockpit, £6.50, book ahead, 11.30am-12.30pm

BRUNCH UPON A TIME: Bored of brunch? This one's a little different, complete with a fabulous theatrical troupe that will have you singing along to all your favourite fairytale songs. Dressing up is actively encouraged, with magical prizes (read: shots) to be won. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £42, book ahead, 11.30am-2.30pm

SUMMER FESTIVAL: This summer festival takes over Great Suffolk Street, bringing together some of the best talent from across Africa and the Caribbean. With three live music stages and a plethora of food stalls and activities, there's plenty to take in. The Africa Centre, free, just turn up, midday-10pm

JUST FOR BIRDS: Cook up a treat for the feathered friends that live in your garden with these bird-feeder garlands, made using ingredients you'll easily find in your kitchen cupboard. Keats House (Hampstead), free, just turn up, 1pm-4pm

DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY: This two hour walk recounting famous murders, executions, ghostly happenings and lecherous coffeehouses is sure to leave you reeling. All revenue from the tour goes to Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Dominion Theatre, £12, book ahead, 2pm

SONGS ON FILM: Joe Stilgoe pays tribute to all your favourite films, as he raids his collection and adds his own original stylish orchestrations to some of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, various prices, book ahead, 7.45pm