Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 27 February 2018

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Hear folklore and fact about London's bridges at the Chiswick Pier Trust

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Things to do:

ON THE EDGE: Love cartoons? Get yourself to this new exhibition of over 200 cartoons by British cartoonist Ed McLachlan, whose work introduces dangerous and violent elements into everyday scenes. Oh — and bring your wallet, as all the works are for sale. Chris Beetles Gallery (St James's), free entry, just turn up, until 31 March

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Get a free injection of culture at this lunchtime concert, where opera students perform a selection of arias. Beats spending yet another lunchtime scrolling through Facebook. Morley College (Lambeth North), free, just turn up, 1.05pm-1.55pm

SHAKESPEARE'S POLITICS: Shakespeare wrote enough plays about various kings to confirm his interest in the monarchy and the sovereign. Less well known is the Bard's interest in Roman political models, including Cicero who makes an appearance in Julius Caesar. Learn all about it at this Gresham College lecture. Museum of London (Barbican), free, just turn up, 6pm

LORD OF THE RINGS: Think you know Lord of the Rings back to front? You've probably got nothing on the Over-Analysers' Book Club, which sees six performers from the worlds of publishing, academia and comedy completely overanalyse the book, with hilarious results. Waterstones Tottenham Court Road, £7, book ahead, 6.30pm

BUTCHERY MASTERCLASS: Learn more about where your meat comes from at this butchery masterclass, specialising in beef this month. Learn about the different breeds, and what to look out for when buying your meat. Tickets are a little steep, but include a three course meal paired with beer and wine after the masterclass. Boxcar (Marylebone), £95, book ahead by email, 7pm-10pm

SHORT FILMS: Kino London serves up another instalment of short films, introduced by the people who made them. You may or may not discover the next Spielberg — either way, free popcorn is provided. Candid Arts (Angel), £4/£5, book ahead, doors 7pm, screening 7.30pm

The work of Ed McLachlan goes on display at Chris Beetles Gallery today.

BRIDGES THAT BUILT LONDON: Worship, murder and magic on the Thames — just some of the topics writer and London tour guide Chris Roberts will talk about tonight. You'll also learn how London has been shaped by its Thames bridges, and how bridges affect ecology and the tidal flow. River-ting stuff. The Pier House (Chiswick) £3 (free to members), just turn up, 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE: The world premiere run of the English adaptation of novella Returning To Haifa begins tonight. Ghassan Kanafani's story of a Palestinian couple who fled their home in 1948 and return 20 years later has been adapted for the stage. Finborough Theatre (West Brompton) £14-£18, book ahead, 7.30pm (until 24 March)

GENETIC LIES: Everything you know about genetics is (probably) wrong. Sorry about that. But instead of blaming your high school biology teacher (hi Mrs Mac), get yourself along to this talk to find out why there's more to genetics than peas — and how much we still don't know. Conway Hall (Holborn), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

TAILOR LIVE: Not Taylor Swift you'll be disappointed/relieved to know. Instead, singer-songwriter Tailor, who's been likened to Kate Bush and Patti Smith, takes to the stage for your listening pleasure. The Half Moon (Putney), £10/£12, book ahead, 8pm

BRIDGET CHRISTIE: Award-winning comedian Bridget Christie takes on our obsession with rolling news in her upcoming show What Now?, covering everything from Brexit and Trump to nuclear apocalypse. Here's a chance to see the show for a bargainous price while it's still a work in progress. The Bill Murray (Islington), £10, book ahead, 9.30pm-10.30pm

Good cause of the day:

There's still time to bag yourself tickets to Stand Up For Shelter, a comedy night raising money for homelessness charity Shelter. Confirmed on the line-up so far are Russell Kane, Seann Walsh, Joe Wilkinson and Lolly Adefope. Shepherd's Bush Empire, £35-£52, book ahead, 7 March

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