Things To Do Today In London: Monday 12 June 2017

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Tim Peake's virtual reality 360° experience at the Science Museum

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Things to do

SILENT EMERGENCY: The food crisis of Lake Chad, Africa, is a silent humanitarian emergency as it has failed to make the headlines. However, the British Red Cross has brought the issue into the forefront with photography exhibition One Meal a Day. The exhibition tells the story of the crisis and gives voice to those surviving on just one meal a day. St Martin-in-the-Fields, free, just turn up, 8am-8pm

ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS: For an out of this world experience, British astronaut Tim Peake will take you on a tour of the Soyuz capsule and back to earth in a virtual reality 360° journey. Science Museum, £7, just turn up, 10.30am-5pm

WAR REMEMBERED: London continues to inspire in this mixed art exhibition hosting the work of young Bosnian Architect, Emina Camdzic. Visitors are invited into the world of a war child whose earliest memories are of destroyed buildings and to see how our city shaped her vision for great architecture. Republic Gallery
, free, just turn up, 11am-2pm

PERFECT PUTTING: Get into the swing of things at Canary Wharf for a good old fashioned round of mini golf. From novices to experts, there's something for everyone at this 9-hole course and best of all, it's absolutely free. Columbus Courtyard, free, just turn up, noon-7pm

RICHARD E GRANT: Spend an evening with award winning actor Richard E Grant as he discusses insights into his 30 year career and the challenges and rewards of playing such a wide variety of roles. China Exchange, £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Cinema: a mirror of the contradictions of our times at New Acropolis

MODERN STORYTELLING: Can the world of Snapchat and Oculus Rift learn from the wisdom of advertising practitioners of the past? Storytelling and powerful images can spread like wildfire; in this talk hear about the parallels between successful advertising campaigns of yesteryear and those of the modern era. Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, £35, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

CONFRONTING FILM: Thousands of movies are unapologetic in bringing audiences humorous and tragic renditions of social and philosophical dilemmas. This cinematic talk brings to light how some of the great directors have tackled contradictions of the modern world through the camera lens. New Acropolis, £5/£3/1p, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

APOCALYPSE: Who doesn't enjoy reading about the end of the world as we know it and the people who brave these dystopian worlds to carve out a sense of normality? Waterstones Piccadilly and the Post-Apocalyptic Book Club have invited authors Anne Corlett and Deon Meyer to discuss their novels with a special few. Waterstones Piccadilly, £5, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

ALL STAR COMEDY: Join a bunch of fantastic comedians — Alan Davies, Jo Brand, Dara O'Briain and friends — for this special comedy benefit night in the West End for Harry Potter star Jim Tavaré who was seriously injured in a head on car crash in Los Angeles earlier this year. Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, West End, £30/£25, 7.30pm

COMEDY UPSTAIRS: Forget the week has only just started and spend a cheeky evening at the Kings Arms with Lewis Schaffer for some capital comedy. The Kings Arms (London Bridge), free (donations encouraged), just turn up, 8.30pm-10pm

Art review: one for the children

Hetty Feather in the CBBC series. © BBC Steve Peskett

Hetty Feather is a book and children's television series about a girl abandoned at a Foundling hospital, so it's fitting that an exhibition about her is set at the Foundling Museum. There is a lot of activities for children to get into including playing period dress up. But it's a niche topic and doesn't appeal to anyone new to Hetty's story. Picturing Hetty Feather at The Foundling Museum, until 3 September, £11.25 (free for children) ★★☆☆☆ Tabish Khan

Theatre review: sharp comedy with sobering edge

A dilapidated roller diner in Birmingham is given a transformation when a mysterious, eastern European beauty shows up demanding work. While the world-weary, grease-covered owner and simpleton chef are captivated, the two fiery waitresses cotton onto a more sinister side to this curious visitor. One moment you’re laughing at the brilliant one-liners and expert comic timing, and the next you’re confronted with the stark reality of human trafficking, racism and Brexit; this play really is a bit of a rollercoaster. Think Grease meets Fatal Attraction with a bit of Vic and Bob thrown in for good measure. This play teeters on the line between sharp, dark humour and just plain lunacy, perhaps sometimes straying too far into the latter... But it still works. Roller Diner, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE, from £10, Until 24 June ★★★★☆ Hannah Foulds

Food review: a dose of sunshine in southwark

Flat Iron Square just keeps getting better. Already an incubator for box-fresh streetfood businesses, the clump of railway arches and covered market are now attracting seriously good, permanent restaurants. Among them, Lupins. Serving up small plates of what they call 'sunshine food', the snacks alone would be worth a visit: white bean and lemon crostini, and croquetas stuffed with ricotta and chilli, drizzled with honey. And that's just a precursor to a series of faultless dishes, bright with summery flavours. British and Mediterranean elements jostle to rich, lovely effect in the hake and 'nduja risotto, and the crab thermidor scattered with radish shavings is easily the best we've found in London. Lupins: less take-a-chance-on-this-newcomer than grab-any-chance-you-get. Lupins, 66 Union Street, SE1 1SG. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and just lunch Sunday to Monday ★★★★★ Lydia Manch

Good cause of the day: Gatsby party

Jazz, cabaret and feathers collide for a good cause. The DM Thomas Foundation and Basmeh and Zeitooneh charity give education to Syrian children in Beirut, and for one night only on 17 June are hosting a party to rival Jay Gatsby's nights of infamy with a roaring 1920s inspired night of dance and entertainment. Your ticket to the event will open up a world of burlesque, magic, gambling and a full Hilton buffet. Hilton Paddington, £60, book ahead, 17 June, 7pm-1am