Things to do
LAST CHANCE: Several exhibitions are entering their last week — see them while you can:
- MICHAEL RAKOWITZ: Objects destroyed by ISIS are recreated in this emotional exhibition, which focuses on cultural destruction. Several surprising links and facts about Iraqi culture are revealed in the skilful show. Whitechapel Gallery, £12.95, book ahead, until 25 August
- MANGA AT BRITISH MUSEUM: The Manga genre is made accessible to all in British Museum's blockbuster exhibition on the Japanese art form, which offers an introduction for anyone not familiar with Manga. Its history and sub-genres are covered, and there are plenty of interactive elements. British Museum, £19.50, book ahead, until 26 August
- WRITING AT BRITISH LIBRARY: Do the write thing and visit British Library's exhibition on the history of writing. See early examples of writing, find out how it's evolved, and whether it's likely to have a future as we all turn to computers. British Library, £14, book ahead, until 27 August
FAMILY BOOTCAMP: All this week, National Army Museum runs family-friendly bootcamp sessions, inspired by military fitness drills. They're led by a former Army instructor and focus on keeping fit, tying in with the message on some of the posters in the current Abram Games exhibition. Age 8+. National Army Museum (Chelsea), £5, book ahead, 19-23 August
FEATS OF CINEMA: Head to Guildhall Yard every evening this week for open-air film screenings, part of the Fantastic Feats series of events. Architecture, science and engineering is the focus of the films, beginning with Jurassic Park tonight. Deckchairs are provided, and food and drink are available to buy. Guildhall Yard, £15, book ahead, 19-24 August
FAMILY MOON EXHIBITION: Among the many current exhibitions about the Moon, tying in with the Apollo 11 anniversary, you may have missed this small display in King's Cross. The Institute of Physics is running 'The Moon Adventure' throughout August, aimed squarely at children and families. They've got Lego, model-making, moon selfies and plenty of educational stuff. Oh, and it's a chance to poke around the IoP's funky new building. Institute of Physics, 37 Caledonian Road, Free, just turn up, 10am-5pm (Mon-Fri until 30 Aug)
REDUCED LITERATURE DEGREE: Didn't bother with uni? No worries — comedian Shirley Halse is offering a Reduced Literature Degree in her Camden Fringe show. She's condensed three years of studying into one hour, covering Chaucer, Larkin and all the rest. Camden Comedy Club, £10/£8, book ahead, 6.30pm
WINE AND VINYL: Enjoy a curated evening of music and wine, as the ghost writer of Grace Jones’ biography talks about the superstar's seminal album, Slave to the Rhythm. Enjoy the record in vinyl from start to finish, accompanied by wines curated by an expert. Flat Iron Square (London Bridge), £16.50, book ahead, 7pm
RESERVOIR DOGS: Quentin Tarantino's writing debut Reservoir Dogs is screened at Film4 Summer Screen. Watch the 1992 crime thriller, about six career criminals trying to pull off a diamond heist, in the lovely courtyard at dusk. Somerset House, £20.74, book ahead, 7pm
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY: The first in a week of free outdoor film events sees Sense & Sensibility screened, against a backdrop of an urban lake at sunset. Headphones and deckchairs are provided, and food and drink are available to buy from The Gentleman Baristas. Republic (Poplar), free, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
FALLING MAN: Theatre/dance show Falling Man is a direct response to the fact that 84 men commit suicide every week. It offers a no-holds-barred look at depression, suicide and meaning, tackling the topics of mental health and masculinity. Wilton's (Limehouse), £6.50-£16, book ahead, 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
My Roundel of the Week is this diamond geezer from Moorgate. The angular specimen looks like it comes from an alternative universe, not only in shape but also in typeface. The design was created in 1914, to differentiate the then-independent Metropolitan Railway from most of the other underground lines, which had united under a more familiar-looking roundel. The one shown above is a replica, installed in 2013 to mark the Underground's 150th anniversary. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Sign up now to take part in Great Ormond Street Hospital's Race for the Kids. The 5km route through Hyde Park can be run, walked, jogged or scooted, and takes place in October, so there's plenty of time to train. Find out more and sign up.
What we're reading
- Famous topiary elephant beheaded in car crash.
- The tube is worryingly noisy.
- The UK's first VR theatre experience is coming to Battersea.
- Well, that escalated quickly.
