What we're reading:
- An interview with Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall.
- Shocking scenes at Barking station as man seen swinging from a crane.
- Big Narstie: Drill music used as a 'scapegoat' to explain London's violent crime wave.
- Steve Coogan sides with passengers in Southern Rail ticket dispute.
- Soho in the Eighties — a decade of debauchery.
Things to do:
SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES: If you're already mourning this year's long hot summer, warm up in the Natural History Museum's tropical butterfly house. You've got just a few more days to wander among hundreds of live butterflies and moths from all around the world. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), £6.50, book ahead, until 16 September
NOT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY: Forget endless rooms filled with portraits of long dead aristocrats, this exhibition in Charing Cross Library's new gallery space is far less flattering. Over 40 members of the Professional Cartoonists' Organisation showcase their bold, irreverent and politically charged cartoons and caricatures in Not the National Portrait Gallery. Charing Cross Library, free, just turn up, 10am-7pm, until 22 September
CHRISTIE'S LATES: Expect a vibrant evening at Christie's tonight, which celebrates the power of colour for its September Late. Have a go at Pop Art-inspired screen-printing, hear from the Obamas' interior designer and graze on pretty pastel macaroons. Christie's London (St James's), free entry, just turn up, 6pm-8.30pm
Drink our new Londonist beer at our Fourpure Brewery party
If anyone can organise a piss-up in the brewery it should be us, right? We regularly write about London's unrivalled craft beer scene, spend a decent amount of time indulging in it, and now we've created our very own London-y brew (with the help of the fantastic folks at Fourpure). Join us to celebrate the launch of Londonist beer in style on Sunday 16 September (that's next Sunday!) at the Fourpure Brewery. For just a tenner you get an eight hour party, live music, the chance to win Londonist goodies, and four cans of one-off Londonist beer to take home. Find out more here, or book your tickets.
DEATH RIGHTS: Sex worker rights activist Maggie Mayhem hosts the latest in a series of talks that examines the dire (and sometimes deadly consequences) of certain cultural attitudes and laws. She's sharing her research on why the freedom of sex workers to advertise their services is vital to their safety and human rights. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £4, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm
YINKA SHONIBARE: Turner Prize nominee and Royal Academician Yinka Shonibare chats to critic and author Louise Buck about how race, class and cultural identity have influenced his work. Their talk is followed by a Q&A, giving you the chance to ask the artist your questions. Royal Academy of Arts (Piccadilly), £20, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
SPICE GIRLS DANCE CLASS: Spice up your life at a dance lesson that'd make Baby, Sporty, Ginger, Posh and Scary proud. Recreate the iconic moves from the Spice Girls' girl power anthem Wannabe. Just remember go more Mel C than Geri and leave those 90s platforms at home. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £15, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
GINEMA: Channel Ferris Bueller's carpe diem attitude and treat yourself to a gin-soaked screening of John Hughes' 80s teen classic. Hayman's Gin Distillery is hosting its last ginema night, with cocktails, G&Ts, gin popcorn, and a baby-faced Matthew Broderick. Hayman's Gin Distillery (Balham), £40, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
CHILLY GONZALES: Genre-defying pianist Chilly Gonzales tinkles the ivories at Southbank Centre. He'll be playing pieces from his Solo Piano cycle, before cellist Stella Le Page and drummer Joe Flory join him on stage for a jam featuring music from his eclectic back catalogue. Southbank Centre, from £25, book ahead, 7.30pm
OTHER PEOPLE'S TEETH: Finding that perfect work-life balance can be tough for any working woman, but it's a real slog if your job happens to be killing people. Follow one hitwoman's (mis)adventures in love at a play that's not for the squeamish. Hen and Chickens Theatre (Highbury & Islington), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm
SKATING POLLY: Multi-instrumentalist Kelli Mayo, her brother Kurtis, and Peyton Bighorse (aka Skating Polly) are making some noise tonight at the Sebright Arms. They're joined by patriarchy-smashing Riot Grrrl act The Menstrual Cramps. Sebright Arms (Cambridge Heath), £10, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm
Good cause of the day
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Genesis Cinema in Stepney Green hosts a special fundraising previewing screening of Cristian Solimeno's I Made This For You. Blending fiction and reality, the film follows the moving story of a man who makes a documentary dedicated to his best friend after his suicide attempt. The film is followed by a director's Q&A, with all ticket proceeds going to CALM — an award-winning male suicide prevention charity.
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