What we're reading:
- Massive gorilla stolen from Sanctum Soho hotel roof by men in high-vis vests.
- Why the east side of cities are poorer than the west.
- A Dogs and the City podcast has launched.
Things to do:
KIDS FEST: This family festival brings great literature to the little ones through workshops, films and live storytelling from a great line-up of writers and the festival's patron, Quentin Blake. Institut Francais (South Kensington), various prices, just turn up, 19-25 November
LEVAN LAGIDZE: Returning to London after 20 years, Georgian painter Levan Lagidze presents Bach Exercises, an exhibition of artworks teaming with detail. La Galleria (Pall Mall), free, just turn up, 19 November-8 December
CONSTABLE'S DUES: The Constable's Dues, an ancient ceremony at the Tower of London, takes place today — find out more about the history on the Tower of London blog, but if you're at the Tower today, expect to see a symbolic keg of wine or rum presented in a grand and convoluted ceremony. If you're not at the Tower, you can still watch the ceremony on the Facebook Live broadcast. 12.20pm
BIG SQUAT: Forget squats and lunges, this big squat is all about answering the call of nature for an awareness-raising event in aid of the billion women worldwide that don't have access to a proper toilet. Bill Oddie and his choir, alongside a host of speakers, MPs and church leaders are there to get you talking about an issue that really matters, right outside St Paul's Cathedral. Free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
CHELSEA BROCANTE: The Chelsea Brocante is back, stocking decorative antiques, textiles, fairground art and many more totally unclassifiable oddities that Francophiles will love. Chelsea Old Town Hall, £5, book ahead, 3pm-8pm (repeated tomorrow)
NOISY LISTENING: Think classical concerts are stuffy affairs to be enjoyed in silence? Think again, at a talk by Tom Service who shows this music hasn't always been so prim and proper, and that tunes can be a tool for listening. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
SAM SAX: Join Sam Sax and supporting poet Lisa Luxx for a night of spoken word performances and discussion covering identity, mental health and unlearning love. Kings Place (King's Cross), £9.50-£12.50, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
EXPERIMENTAL HARP: Mary Lattimore is living proof that harp music is cool. Hear for yourself at a concert of her evocative music created on a road trip across America. The Lexington (Angel), £9, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm
COMEDY: Dive into tiny adventures with comedian Dan Simpson at a quick-fire role playing evening that marries Dungeons and Dragons with Whose Line Is It Anyway? for hilarious results. Camden Comedy Club, £5, book ahead, 8pm
HAWKSWORTH GROVE: Witness a rare live performance by Jim Ghedi and Toby Hay, playing music from their collaborative album The Hawksworth Grove Sessions, followed up by a screening of I A Stranger and poetry from Holly Corfield Carr. The Social, £11, book ahead, 7pm-10.30pm
HERO THEATRE: Bars and ballrooms become battlefields in the world's first adaptation of Lermontov's 1840 novel. Follow a cruel contest to win the affections of a young princess by two soldiers who show human's darkest nature. Arcola Theatre (Dalston), £10-£16, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
Sign yourself up for the ultimate challenge — scaling a skyscraper at Tower 42's Vertical Rush. Covering 932 steps over 42 floors is no mean feat but it's all in aid of the homelessness charity Shelter. Join alone or as a team for a one-off registration fee to take part on 14 March 2019.
