What we're reading
- TFL's finances are in a tricky situation.
- Prince Charles launches London's underground electricity superhighway.
- Crossrail is cutting it fine.
- Couple forced out of house made from 'For Sale' signs.
- Guerilla gardeners put the primroses back into Primrose Hill.
Things to do
ELEPHANT GLOW: Head to Elephant Park to interact with state of the art installations, activated by the physical presence of guests — this means you'll get the chance to alter the light and colour of your surroundings. Free, just turn up, 4pm-8pm, until 18 February.
NUTS ABOUT PANCAKES: Nut butter champions Pip & Nut are hosting a pancake pop-up ahead of the big day tomorrow — savoury options include the likes of beetroot pancakes with feta, and coconut pancakes topped with peanut butter, banana and dark chocolate. The first 100 pancakes in their happy hours (11am-noon and 4pm-5pm) are on the house. Wholefoods Kensington, 11am-5pm, just turn up, until Tuesday 13 February.
SCIENCE FEST: SMASHfestUK science and arts festival is taking on the theme of 'flood' this year for their annual event in Deptford, looking at how to recover after natural disasters and rebuild lives. There's comedy, storytelling, den-building and family friendly games all revolving around the theme of flooding. Albany Theatre and The Deptford Lounge, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until Friday 16 February.
TRAPPED IN ZONE ONE: It's the last day to see Mr Christa's Best of Both Worlds illustration/typography exhibition, with detailed hand-drawn images exploring the world through a monochrome lens. Hanbury Hall, free, just turn up, 8am-5pm.
LASER TAG: Looking to get the kids outside this half term? Get them into the open air to play laser tag in the forest, the perfect way to get rid of any extra energy. Age 6+ — remember to wear suitable clothing. The View, Chingford, 11am-4pm, £10 for 40 minutes, £6 for 20 minutes, book ahead, until 14 February.
SPRING PLANTS LATE: Round up your green-fingered friends for an evening of flower-porn at the RHS Early Spring Show with jaw-dropping floral displays and a plant selection that could rival Columbia Road's. The late event (5pm-9pm) ticket gets you entry and a drink on arrival — the rest of the fair is on until 14 February. £5, just turn up, 5pm-9pm.
JEWELS ON A JOURNEY: To accompany the V&A's Ocean Liner exhibition, Andrew Prince's talk at the museum explores all the opulent gems and jewels the aristocracy took on their voyages — expect bling aplenty. V&A, £15, book ahead, 7pm-8:45pm.
GREAT BRITISH MYSTERIES: Delve into the world of Tudor London for this comedic take on a detective play featuring home-made sound effects and laughs a plenty, from the guys that earned rave reviews at last year's Fringe Festival. The Pleasance Theatre, £5, book in advance, 7:45pm.
RUBY WAX: After multiple sold out events, Ruby Wax is back at the School of Life to impart more witty wisdom — listen to the comedian tell us how our quirks make us human. Conway Hall, £30, book ahead, 7pm-9:30pm.
SUFFRAGETTE CITY: Hear from Diane Atkinson on how the working class women of London contributed to the suffragette movement, a hundred years after women won the right to vote. LSE Library, free, just turn up, 6:30-8pm.
FREE COMEDY: See the comedy stars of tomorrow at Diminishing Returns. Sketch, stand-up, and pretty much any other form of comedy goes here. This evening's set includes a special one-off 20 minute set from trio Darcy, Rooke and Hindes. The Ship, Borough, free, just turn up, 8pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
Book your tickets for what's set to be a stunning comedy show, all in the name of charity — Stand Up For Shelter, which boasts stars such as Shappi Khorsandi and Seann Walsh taking to the stage, is in aid of the UK's leading homeless charity, Shelter. The event is on 7 March, but is sure to sell out soon — grab your tickets here.
