Things to do today is sponsored by Alexandra Palace.
What we're reading
- Army drafted in to protect London.
- A cool map comparing travel times from London in 1914 and 2016.
- See how Bankside Power Station was constructed.
- A poignant message from North Greenwich tube station.
- A look at the lucrative lives of London clerks.
Things to do
FUTURE FESTIVAL: Dig beneath the Earth's surface in a stunning virtual reality experience, generate energy in giant zorbs and snack on a burger cooked by used coffee grounds in this action-packed festival celebrating the very best of innovation, inventions and bright energy ideas. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, free, just turn up, 9am-6pm
LUNCHTIME TALK: Learn more about the elusive and misconstrued London-born composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor at this lunchtime talk delving into what we can discover from overlooked documents in the BCA's archives. Black Cultural Archives, Brixton, £3, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
GENE THERAPY: It might all sound a bit sci-fi, but we are already using DNA and gene-based therapy to treat human diseases today. Learn how it all works at this gene therapy lecture, and see what the future holds for this exciting medical miracle. Barnard's Inn Hall, Chancery Lane, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
TALKING POLITICS: Don't know your left from your right? City Lit are putting on a course that explains everything you need to know about the upcoming British general elections, including an overview of the electoral system, and discussion of current polls/trends within the context of the historical precedents. City Lit, Covent Garden, £19, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
POTTER PINS: Magic up a badge to show the world just how Potter-mad you are, at this badge making masterclass — free with purchase of a cocktail. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free with a drink, just turn up, from 7pm
Sponsor message
Bank holiday weekends are better with street food and beer
Calling all foodies! Cancel your plans for this weekend and get over to Alexandra Palace — there's an epic street food and craft beer festival that's not be missed.
It's called StrEATlife, and will feature food and drink traders from all over the world, fabulous live music, and pretty awesome views of London. Dance to tunes from the likes of Brasstermind while you decide whether to give in to your sweet tooth and go for a waffle and a Bounty Daiquiri (created especially for StrEATlife), or channel your inner hipster and sample a Buddha bowl with a craft IPA —head there on the Saturday to see live graffiti with some of London's most talented street artists.
The first StrEATlife festival takes place over 27 and 28 May – check out the website for other upcoming dates.
ACID SKETCHING: Learn a unique art form and etch your own designs onto the surface of glass, using techniques you can repeat at home. Various glass tumblers and practice glass are available to work on, so don't worry about getting it perfect first time! Craft Central, Farringdon, £49, 7pm-9.30pm
ROCK THE STRAND: A diverse range of talented and upcoming artists from a variety of genres feature in this live music evening at the newly refurbished Lounge Bar at the Strand Palace Hotel. Most importantly, an extensive drinks menu means there are plenty of tipples to choose from. Strand Palace Hotel, free, just turn up, 7.15pm-late
UN-SILENT FILM: Watch one of Buster Keaton's earliest feature films, Sherlock Jr. There's live accompaniment from pianist Meg Morley, to distract everyone from your ridiculous guffawing. 1901 Arts Club, £12.50/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm
IMPROV COMEDY: "Infectious weirdness". So said one review about improv comedy group The Committee. See them along with some special guests. 2 Northdown, £5, book ahead, 8pm-10.30pm
JACK THE RIPPER: Step into Victorian Whitechapel on the night that Scotland Yard received a gruesome letter signed off by Jack the Ripper, in this interactive experience which sees the audience take on key roles where every choice you make impacts the story. Sidney Street, Whitechapel, £26, book ahead, 9pm-10.30pm
Art review: beautiful ceramics
Korean masters come together for this exhibition of beautifully subtle ceramics. Each piece is quite minimal and bears a strong similarity to the Dansaekhwa school of Korean painting, in presenting a meditative calm by preferring the subtle over the showy. Between serenity and dynamism: An exhibition of Korean ceramics, Korean Cultural Centre, 1-3 Strand, WC2N 5BW, free. Until 3 June ★★★☆☆ (Monday-Saturday) Tabish Khan
Theatre review: politics and religion are so now
It looks like third time's a charm for Nicholas Hytner's take on Giuseppe Verdi's Don Carlo. It returns to the Royal Opera House at a most apposite time: his dark and engaging meditation on the struggles of church and state may be based on a centuries-old historical tale but it is one with modern relevance. American tenor Bryan Hymel brings pathos aplenty to the starring role but it is his love (fellow American soprano Kristin Lewis making her Covent Garden bow) and German baritone Christopher Pohl as Rodrigo who take the honours here. Don Carlo, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD, £49-£245. Until 29 May. ★★★☆☆ Franco Milazzo
Food review: vegetarian paradise
Situated in the heart of Borough Market, Roast has always been a treat for lovers of quality British sourced food. Finally, it's taken that mantra and applied it to vegetarian cuisine with the launch of a new menu. The star of the show is the Ultimate Veggie Burger — their boast not ours, though it's accurate — a quinoa and beetroot patty combines delightfully with an avocado dressing between a charcoal and brioche bun. Though the burger will grab the headlines, just as tasty is the spinach scotch egg served with tangy piccalilli. It all works ideally alongside their summery cocktails, like an English Mojito and Endless Love. Roast, The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, SE1 1TL. ★★★★☆ Harry Rosehill
Good cause for the day
20IN20: We love a good tour, and this Thursday is packed with them thanks to 20in20. From 6am-11pm, a tour will be departing almost every hour, exploring everything from The Royal Courts of Justice to Bowie's Soho haunts — all in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Various locations, £20, book ahead, 6am-11pm every hour