Things To Do Today In London: Thursday 31 May 2018

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London History Day offers an array of events that explore the capital's illustrious past.

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Things to do:

LONDON FIRE BRIGADE MUSEUM: As part of London History Day (see the full schedule here), the London Fire Brigade are inviting you to slip down the fireman's pole into their past. Learn how the Great Fire of London led to the LFB's formation, dabble in green screen photography and even play dress up using contemporary and historic firefighter uniforms. London Fire Brigade Pop-Up Museum (Lambeth High Street), free, just turn up, 1oam-3pm

TRASH-IC: Trash and beauty exist side-by-side in French Lebanese artist Mouna Rebeiz's latest exhibition. Expanding on the trail blazed by Hieronymous Bosch and Goya, Balthus, and Picasso's erotic works, her art attempts to embody a mass of contradictions in response to contemporary social issues. Saatchi Gallery (Sloane Square), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 3 June

ST AUGUSTINE'S TOWER: Climb Hackney's oldest surviving building, a Grade I listed medieval bell tower that looms across from the Georgian parish church. Once you've ascended the 135 step staircase, enjoy spectacular rooftop views of east London, see the exceptional inner workings of a 16th century clock, and discover the history of Hackney in a former bellringers' chamber. St Augustine's Tower (Hackney), free just turn up, 11am-5pm

HEALTHY HEDONISM: Get a natural high at Harvey Nicks, where the UK’s leading boutique fitness class provider have designed a mood boosting yoga and dynamic pilates class set to upbeat music. Reward yourself for all that hard work with a half hour cocktail tasting that expertly mixes Thomson & Scott's new Skinny Wine range with herbs, fresh fruit and superfoods for guilt-free indulgence. Harvey Nichols (Knightsbridge), £30, book ahead, 11am/6.30pm

STARS IN YOUR EYES: Discover the history of the Royal Astronomical Society through drama, interactive demos, and a peek at their library's celestial treasures. You might even get a special introduction from Georgian gentleman and founding astronomer Charles Babbage. Royal Astronomical Society (Piccadilly), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

Indulge in a nightlong celebration of farmhouse beer and cheese.

HERE SHE IS: Actors, writers, directors, and other creative types have gathered in Peckham for a diverse showcase of female theatrical talent. Admission is free for agents, casting directors, and producers. Theatre Peckham, £9, book ahead, 3pm/7pm

BEER AND CHEESE: Things are about to get funky over at Mason & Company. The Dark Knight of Cholesterol himself is in the house for an evening of matching farmhouse beer with farmhouse cheeses. You'll enjoy a rustic platter of dairy goodness with three beers from The Little Earth Project. Mason & Company, (Hackney Wick), £15, book ahead, 5pm-11.30pm

A UNIQUE CINEMA EXPERIENCE: Think all cinemas are the same? Think again: this one has got to be the coolest in the capital. Head down the 190-year-old, Grade II* listed Rotherhithe shaft — used by Brunel to aid construction of the Thames tunnel — for a film screening like no other. Brunel Museum (Rotherhithe) £25, book ahead, 6.30pm-10pm (partner)

THE O SHOW: In a post #MeToo world, can we move towards a truly ethical sexual liberation? Asking a bunch of men described as "unapologetic when it comes to the expression of their sexuality" seems like a pretty dicey move, but with a diverse lineup including Mischa Badasyan, Dr Shaun Cole, and Martin Willis, this comedic panel talk set is guaranteed to get interesting. The Curtain (Shoreditch), £10, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

LITERARY DEATH MATCH: Part literary event, part comedy show, part game show, Literary Death Match sees four writers read seven minutes of their work in order to appease an all-star trio of wisecracking judges. But only one wordsmith can emerge victorious from this slapstick showdown of storytelling. Miranda, Ace Hotel (Shoreditch), £7, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm

BIG BINGO BALLS UP: With dance battles, mystery prizes, and the most intense round of musical statues you've ever witnessed it's bingo — but not as you know it. Introducing Nigel's Big Bingo Ball's Up, which involves very little bingo, but plenty of everything else. Farr's School of Dancing, Dalston, £6, book ahead, 7.30pm

Good cause of the day

What's that noise? Sounds Like Teen Spirit, a charity open mic night dedicated to the most cringeworthy of teenage musings. Expect Bebo quizzes, GCSE art pieces, and texts mined from your old Nokia 3310. All ticket proceeds go to Spear, an award-winning program which helps unemployed 16-24 year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds find long-term employment.