Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 26 September 2017

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Things to do today is sponsored by the Houses of Parliament.

Robot Zoo at Horniman Museum and Garden

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Things to do

RAINDANCE: It's the 25th year of Raindance Film Festival, showcasing over 250 of the best independent shorts, features, documentaries, web series, music videos and VR experiences from all over the globe. Discover a multitude of on screen action before they gain cult followings. Until 1 October. Vue Leicester Square, various prices, book ahead, various times

HEALTHY ART: Ben Uri's new exhibition Using Art Differently engages with the idea that art can support and improve mental and physical health by exploring universal themes of identity and migration. Until 15 October. Ben Uri Gallery & Museum (St John's Wood), free, 10am-5.30pm

ROBOT ZOO: This family-friendly exhibition is larger-than-life with some pretty impressive mechanics to boot. Try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon's 'tongue-gun' and even design your own 'mutant' robot creature. Horniman Museum and Garden, £4/£7, just turn up, 10.30am-5.30pm

FUNNY FEST: It's the last day of the Objectively funny festival. There's a wide range of acts to enjoy, from TV panel show stars to cult heroes. Remember it's funny. Objectively so. The Albany, £1, book ahead, 2pm-1am

BLOODTHIRSTY MURDER: Victorian London was home to the heights of gentle femininity, but an underbelly of female career criminals existing in parallel included Kate Webster, a petty criminal turned bloodthirsty murderer. Track her transformation with professor Anne Marie Kilday. Guildhall Library, £5.90, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

Wonder Woman Screening at Vauxhall Pop Up Cinema club

DRONE FESTIVAL: Drone footage is becoming incredibly popular, both in YouTube videos and mainstream film and TV. Despite the fact that drones are forbidden to fly in London, the 2nd annual London Drone Film Festival is held here, showcasing just how amazing this technology can make your latest project look. Institute of Contemporary Arts, £20, book ahead, 6pm-11pm

SMALL HILLS: Looking for a hill to climb or an outdoor adventure? Well, why not join author and award winning travel writer Phoebe Smith as she discusses her new book Britain's Best Small Hills? Stanfords (Covent Garden), £4, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.45pm

WONDER WOMAN: In a celebration of women in film, Vauxhall Pop Up Cinema club are screening blockbuster hit Wonder Woman, preceded by a Channel 4 Random Acts thrree minute film directed by a woman, and followed by an audience discussion hosted by Oscar winning film producer Mia Bays. The Workshop, £5/£7/£10, doors open at 7pm

SCIENCE OF SLEEP: People underestimate how important sleep is, and how much they need, especially us busy bee Londoners. Sleep scientist Matt Walker discusses how to shift our values and habits around sleep, and recognise that sleep is the single most effective thing we can do for our health and wellbeing. Royal Institution, £7/£10/£16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

RIVER OF BEER: No, some pop-up in Shoreditch hasn't manufactured an artificial river of beer for you to slosh in. But you can learn the role that the Thames played in the history of brewing in Britain; with historian Martyn Cornell. The Pier House, £3, book ahead, 7.30pm


Sponsor message

How does afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament sound?

With tours and teas available on most weekdays until 7 October and every Saturday, Parliament is well-worth exploring — whether you’re an aspiring politician, into history, or just want to check out the stunning architecture. Step behind closed doors and get the inside scoop on what goes on in the Commons and the Lords.

Learn all about the Speaker’s chair and Prime Minister’s Questions before indulging in an afternoon tea with a difference. After a guided tour, it doesn’t get much better than a House of Commons scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam while gazing upon glorious views of the Thames. Find out how to book here.


Food review: top burger with a side of Tower Bridge

There is nothing quite like munching on a deluxe burger with a view of Tower Bridge. Butler's Wharf Chop House sits on prime real estate with an incredible view of London's favourite Thames crossing, so snagging a table outside is an absolutely must. Their thick and juicy burger comes in a brioche bun, fat potato-y chips and red pepper and tomato chutney, but of course we had to go the whole hog and add cheese and bacon as well. While some may feel £15.50-£19.50 for a burger is on the pricey side — even for London — the sun setting over the Thames and the spectacular view made the cost worth it for a special evening out. For dessert there's the deliciously sweet vanilla ice cream, which — as you might expect from Chop House — tasted richly of vanilla beans. There are a few other locations in their franchise, so if you're tired of Thames-side dining, perhaps you'd instead like to chow down a burger at their St Paul's location; the setting for TV's First Dates. Butler's Wharf Chop House, 36e Shad Thames, SE1 2YE ★★★★☆ [Monday-Sunday] Eleana Overett

Art review: a trippy mural

Samantha Bittman's mixtures of weaving and painting mess with our eyes, a massive floor to ceiling mural is easy to lose ourselves in. Best to go with it and find yourself sucked into her mesmerising works. Samantha Bittman: Shift at Ronchini Gallery, 22 Dering Street, W1S 1AN, free. Until 28 September ★★★☆☆ (Monday-Saturday) Tabish Khan

Theatre review: lipstick, powder and paint

Watching a make-up demo for a group of bereaved mothers whose children died in a national tragedy, while timely, isn't the most enticing night out. Ignore any misgivings though. This is a knockout piece. Set eight months after the 1966 Aberfan disaster which left 116 children dead, Neil Anthony Docking's play is as emotionally taught as you'd expect but also surprisingly warm and funny. The five actresses are all equally strong and the manifestations of grief are convincingly explored in a play that captures the period perfectly. Just remember to pack a hankie. The Revlon Girl, Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP, £16.50-£18. Until 14 October ★★★★ (Tuesdays to Saturdays) Chris Bridges

Good cause for the day: forgetting but not forgotten

The Angel Comedy Club is bringing the funny side of life to the fore by putting on a live comedy benefit Forgetting But Not Forgotten, raising money for the Alzheimer's Society to continue their incredible work researching into the cause, prevention and cure of dementia. 2 October, Angel Comedy Club, £10, book ahead, 8pm-10pm