What we're reading
- A three-bed house is going to be squeezed into a 3.1m wide alleyway in Fitzrovia, and will probably sell for £2.7m.
- Theresa May is becoming a waxwork at Madame Tussauds and will oust Boris Johnson from their No 10.
- 100 new busking licenses up for grabs for the first time in two years.
- Genuine Giacometti drawings have been found in the belongings of late auction dealer Eila Grahame.
- 500,000 London tube maps had to be destroyed, can you spot the mistake?
- New hospital building in London has failed fire safety checks ordered after Grenfell tragedy.
Things to do
COVENT JARDIN: No need to book tickets on the Eurostar because France is coming to Covent Garden — or, should we say, Covent Jardin. An abundance of chic French brands, al fresco café culture and delicious dining spots that embrace the French way of life. Covent Garden, various prices, book ahead, until 13 August
FAMILY FRIDAYS: Choose shapes inspired by the historic buildings and gardens, and get stamping with paints to create your own mini marked masterpiece in this printing workshop. The Charterhouse, £3.50, book ahead, 11am-1pm
BE SEEN DEAD: Something fascinatingly morbid for you, explore the cult of dead celebrity and pop culture with a show by made by blah. Protein Studios (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, noon-6pm, until Sunday 13 August
90S FESTIVAL: Get your champagne dance ready, Now That's A Festival provides some 90's garage legends for it's Friday line-up. Headliners DJ Luck & MC Neat are sure to provide one hell of a show. Central Park (Dagenham), £15, book ahead, 4pm-10.30pm, until 13 August
TUDOR TREASURES: Explore the treasures of Burlington House, learn about Tudor musicians and get hands-on with a felt-making workshop to create your own Tudor-inspired hair fascinator at the Blood Royal: Picturing the Tudor Monarchy after hours exhibition. Society of Antiquaries of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm
CUBITT SESSIONS: Enjoy King's Cross's programme of live music performances from a range of genres; today you can hear EDM from Sondr and colourful pop music from Tiggi Hawke. Lewis Cubitt Square (King's Cross), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: Catch former American Vice President Al Gore at a streamed conversation event at Rich Mix with an opportunity to see the documentary An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power ahead of its general release on 18 August. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £11, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
LIVE IN THE LIBRARY: A group of critically acclaimed musicians joins together to play jazz classics from the likes of John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, all served up with a healthy serving of southern-style street food. Poplar Union, £5 in advance, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
BATTY ABOUT BATS: London Wildlife Trust is taking visitors on a tour of Crystal Palace Park to learn to identify bats from their ultrasonic calls with — yes this is a real thing — bat detectors. Crystal Palace railway station, free, book ahead, 8.45pm-10.15pm
Art review: flowing calligraphy
This top floor exhibition at Saatchi gallery is filled with beautifully lit calligraphic works by Emirati royalty. Sheikha Khawla created these works exploring issues like love, peace and beauty and they are gorgeously crafted. Peace & Love at Saatchi Gallery, King's Road, SW3 4RY, free. Until 18 August ★★★★☆ Tabish Khan
Theatre review: more barmy summer fun
The Barmy Britain franchise returns for another jolly jaunt through the darkest days of our empire, via silly songs, plenty of audience participation and a great big pile of toilet humour. There’s the usual revolting Romans and party-pooping Puritans, plus a brand new exchange between Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare, which give the glitter balls tied high on the ceiling of the Garrick a much stronger sense of purpose. It doesn’t even matter that cultural references like TOWIE and The Apprentice might fly high above their heads, kids will be in sheer disbelief not just about how bonkers Britain’s history really is, but how many characters can be portrayed so brilliantly by just two actors on one stage. Horrible Histories - More Best of Barmy Britain, Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH, £15-£22, 4 August-2 September ★★★★☆ [Monday 2pm & 4pm, Wednesday to Friday 11.30am, Saturday & Sunday 10am & 12pm] Phillipa Ellis
Art review: razor sharp
This exhibition is so dangerous that you’re only allowed within five feet of it. Santiago Serra’s massive grid like installation is made from razor wire and it takes ‘do not touch the artwork’ to another level. Razor wire is often used to prevent access to a set place. It’s particularly relevant when the art world can seem restrictive to many and the wider political sphere is dominated by debates on immigration. Santiago Sierra: Impenetrable Structure at Lisson Gallery, 27 Bell Street, NW1 5BY, free. Until 26 August ★★★☆☆ (Monday-Saturday) Tabish Khan
Good cause of the day: wet and wild obstacle course
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