Things to do today is sponsored by The Young Vic.
What we're reading
- Academics feel that UCL is being run like a business instead of a university.
- A heartwarming photo of police in Ealing helping an old lady to carry her shopping.
- Potential issues with colour-coding bus routes (and an 'on the ground' look at the scheme in action).
- See what a trip to the market is like for the owner of Bethnal Green's legendary E Pellicci.
- Kensington and Chelsea plans to cut down on buskers.
Things to do today
BRAZILIAN POP-UP: Brazil's favourite snack food is Pão de Queijo, which translates as cheese bread. Brazilian chef Dona Rita is bringing these addictive cheese balls to hungry commuters at Old Street Station in a small pop-up store. Old Street station, just turn up, until 21 May
SCIENTIFIC BREXIT: What impact will Brexit have on the scientific community — on both sides of the Channel? The Royal Institution hosts a summit with a panel including scientists, policymakers and key influencers to discuss what the outcome will be. The Royal Institution, free, book ahead, 1pm-6pm
PING PONG TOURNAMENT: Show off your wicked backspin slice and meet some friendly new folk at Table Tennis Fight Club. Bounce Farringdon, £8/£10, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
SOUND SALON: Join in a relaxed, informal discussion on field recording and audio walks with the Museum of Walking in Greenwich. Ashburnham Arms, free, book ahead, 6.15pm-7.45pm
CELEBRITY: LSE hosts a debate discussing what it means to be a celebrity today. Has the internet and social media changed the role of celebrities? What are their rights and responsibilities in the modern age? LSE, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
DEATH CAFE: Have an honest chat about death and everything that goes with it, at Royal Trinity Hospice's annual Death cafe. Royal Trinity Hospice, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
UKULELE HOOTENANNY: Whether you're a beginner or an expert ukulele player, you're welcome at this ukulele hootenanny. Borrow an instrument or bring your own and take part in renditions of old classics and modern pop songs on the ukulele. Queen of Hoxton. Free (£20 refundable deposit), 7pm-midnight
FREE FILM: Think about Snakes On A Plane. Now instead of a plane it's a train. And instead of snakes it's zombies. And instead of being American it's South Korean. And instead of being mediocre it's critically acclaimed. That's the general gist of Train to Busan which is tonight's offering from the Herne Hill Free Film Festival. The Half Moon, free, first come first served, 8pm
GROWN UP FAIRYTALES: 'A wild man in a cage is holding the exact thing you've been looking for, and you don't have the key...' That's the basis for Uncaged, a fairytale for grown ups from Michael Harvey. Soho Theatre, £10/£8, book ahead, 8pm
POP DANCE CLASS: Learn the official dance to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé's underrated pop banger Telephone. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £15, book ahead, 8.30pm-10.30pm
Sponsor message
Brecht's Life of Galileo is a twist on a classic tale
Directed by BAFTA Award-winning film director Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride and Prejudice), the Young Vic production of Brecht's Life of Galileo is staged in-the-round, with music composed by The Chemical Brothers' Tim Rowlands and projections by 59 Productions.
Brendan Cowell plays Galileo following his acclaimed performance in Yerma. Galileo makes an explosive discovery about the universe with his new invention — the telescope.
If you're into epic theatre, check this one out — it runs 6 May - 1 July. Tickets can be booked here.
Art review: global photography
The Prix Pictet is all about photography capturing international issues. Richard Mosse is the deserving winner for his depiction of refugee camps, but we also have beauty in Rinko Kawauchi's controlled burning of farmland and humour in Michael Wolf's series of Tokyo commuters squashed up against the windows of trains. A diverse and impressive line-up. Prix Pictet: Space at V&A, until 28 May, free ★★★★☆ Tabish Khan
Theatre review: forgotten brilliance
Rarer than hen's teeth, the plays of prolific 17th century writer James Shirley are almost forgotten. Southwark Playhouse shows what we're missing with a classy production of this long-lost, brutal, fascinating revenge tragedy. On a tiny stage, Natalie Simpson, fresh from Ophelia and Cordelia in Stratford, plays a duchess who confronts corruption, power and Stephen Boxer's scheming Cardinal. Haunted by visions of death, this classy production shows women taking on the system in no uncertain terms. It's like watching the RSC, but on a fringey stage at fringier prices. The Cardinal, Southwark Playhouse, 75-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD, £16-£20, 26 April- 27 May ★★★★☆ Tom Bolton
Bar review: a shot of nostalgia
Stepping into West Hampstead's Bobby Fitzpatrick feels like entering a time machine, where the essence of 1970s America is perfectly distilled. The decor has an incredible attention to detail, with classic tunes, grainy photo collages on the walls, and old-school hand-dryers in the bathroom. None of this would matter if the food and drink weren't up to scratch, but fortunately they deliver. The pizzas are simple but tasty, and special shoutout goes to the incredible cheesy doughballs. The cocktails are where Bobby Fitzpatrick truly delivers — we loved the traditional American Cup of Joe (with booze) and the flaming lime on top of the Sexy Ting. Bobby Fitzpatrick, 273 West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 1QS ★★★★☆ Harry Rosehill
Good cause for the day
ART POP-UP: Brain injury charity Headway East London has a pop-up shop, Submit to Love, in Hoxton for the week. The shop will sell artworks created by those who have survived brain injuries and has workshops for the public throughout the week, with all proceeds going back to the charity. 93 Kingsland Road, free, just turn up, 8-12 May