Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 11 July 2017

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Things to do today is sponsored by the O2 Centre.

Seaside heritage at Museum of Brands

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Things to do

SEASIDE HERITAGE: If the seaside conjures up memories of ice lollies, railway journeys and the bright lights of arcades, you'll love this exhibition celebrating the best of Britain's seaside holiday heritage. Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising (Ladbroke Grove), £9, just turn up, 11am-5pm (until 3 September)

STATE OF THE THAMES: The Thames has become a global success story of a recovering urban estuary, after being declared 'biologically dead' in 1958. Learn more about some of the species that live in it and how they use it. ZSL London Zoo, free, just turn up, 6pm-7.45pm

WE MARCH: What is the future of protesting in the UK and globally? And how did we even get to here? Get back to the historical roots of protests, trace their evolution through to the present day, and learn how social media is changing the game. Imperial War Museum, £12/£9, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm

SPYMASTER: Allegedly the inspiration behind M from James Bond, the story of Maxwell Knight is revealed in MI5's Greatest Spymaster. How did a man with an almost total lack of qualifications manage to transform people into fearless secret agents? And do you have what it takes to be a spy?  British Library, £12/£8, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

How to join the drinks revolution

WORTH DYING FOR?: Each week, at least four men and women vanish without trace or are found dead, cut down in a hail of gunfire. This film screening tackles the 'politics of death', as global industry scrambles to exploit the natural resources under people's feet. The Frontline Club (Paddington), £12.50/£10, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

WE'LL DRINK TO THAT: Dozens of small breweries and distilleries have opened in London recently, in what has been described as a drinks revolution for the capital. Discover what it takes to be successful in this rapidly changing market, followed by a spread from Borough Market traders. Borough Market, £17.50, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

WORK IN PROGRESS: Alternative comedian Alexei Sayle tries out some new material ahead of  what will only be his second stand-up show in 20 years. With a varied career spanning work as a comic, novelist, actor and columnist, he's been named as the 'Godfather of alternative comedy'. Soho Theatre, £12, book ahead, 7.30pm (until 15 July)

EDINBURGH PREVIEW: Being a millennial is hard, right? Luckily best friends Jay and Katie have all the answers, and they're willing to share them with you in this riotous hour of absurd, grotesque and boldly original sketch comedy. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm-8.45pm

FEMALE SEXUALITY: A contemporary satire on female sexuality and the attempts to control it, tackling subjects like shame, sexuality, heartbreak, pornography and violence... it'll leave you wondering if we need a new kind of narrative. King's Head Theatre (Islington), £12, book ahead, 9.30pm (until 16 July)


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Watch Wimbledon on the big screen with strawberries and cream

It's nearly time for the tennis event of the year, and what better way is there to watch Wimbledon than on a giant screen while sitting on a deck chair sipping a refreshing beverage?

Finchley Road's O2 Centre is going all out for the summer sporting event, screening it in its entirety from 3-16 July. It'll be decked out with a lawn, staff dressed as chaperones and a Wimbledon-themed photo-booth. There's even a lucky dip where you can win epic prizes. There'll be food and drink stalls for quintessentially British summer fayre, and even some freebies from the centre's retailers. Get the lowdown here.


Art review: decaying vases

Copyright Anna Arca

This mixture of art and craft impressed us at this exhibition last time, and it's another good outing this year. We particularly like Marcin Rusak’s vases that will decay over the length of the show, and Laura Youngson Coll's very personal exploration of the interesting yet terrifying structure of cancer cells. Jerwood Makers Open 2017 at Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street, SE1 0LN. Until 27 August, free. ★★★★☆

Food review: rub the lamp

For their latest afternoon tea, bakery wizards Cutter & Squidge have turned their attention to all things genie. The decor is spectacular (think shiny things — everywhere) and the food is a triumph, incorporating everything from pashmak (a Turkish candyfloss) to 'magic carpet' shortbread. Their signature biskies make a welcome appearance too, topped with 24 carat gold flakes in keeping with the theme. The savoury snacks don’t quite hit the mark — the scones are a tad on the dry side — but really, we're in it for the sweet stuff. Fans of flavoured teas are well catered for too — the pineapple is particularly refreshing. Genie’s Cave Afternoon Teaat Cutter & Squidge, 20 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SJ ★★★★☆ Laura Reynolds

Theatre review: kitchen lip-sync drama

Isaac (played by Broadchurch's vicar Arthur Darvill) comes home from the war to find the house in disarray with his mother abandoning all domestic chores to become a radical gender theorist, his father a depleted/abused figure and his sister on hormones and transitioning. Taylor Mac's plays takes a swipe at domestic and gender politics and mostly hits the mark. There's the odd misfire but it's worth a look at this often-witty meditation on dystopian liberalism. Hir, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ £10-25, until 22 July ★★★☆☆ [Mondays to Saturdays] Chris Bridges

Good cause for the day

THAMES TREASURE TRAIL: Starting with a unique quiz in hand, each correct answer will point you towards the next location and clue as you explore the Thames. The quickest team to reach the pub at the end of the trail wins the treasure. All proceeds go to the Family Holiday Association, who provide much needed holidays to those unable to afford them. The Thames, £15, book ahead, 26 July, 5.45pm-8pm