Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 27 June 2017

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Things to do in London today is sponsored by Alexandra Palace.

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VIRTUAL REALITY: There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love VR, and those who haven't tried it yet. Book a 20 minute slot in this VR experience in a pub, and see if you can survive the zombies long enough to meet the giant spider — or if that's not your thing, try one of the other experiences available. The Four Thieves (Clapham Junction), £15, book ahead, various times

STREET GYM:Urban areas shouldn't just be nice to look at, they should be places where are are inspired to train. Take to the street for this free urban physical adventure taster session, where architectural features, gradients and street furniture become workstations for sets and reps. Somerset House, free, book ahead, 12.30pm-1.15pm

TERRACE TIPPLES: What better way to celebrate the summer than with a fiesta on the terrace, complete with free flowing drinks, cool beats and Argentinian canapés? Round off London Food Month in style. Gaucho Broadgate, £49.95, book ahead, 6pm

MODERNISM: Explore the readings of Modernism through a non-Western lens, and re-examine the conventional Western narrative of this unique style of architecture. You might be surprised by some of the fantastic examples of Modernist architecture from places rarely featured, such as Kenya, Zambia, China and India. Royal Institute of British Architects, £9, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

Pub VR

TALK AND WALK: Cover 2000 years of history in two hours in Wren, Romans and Liveryman. This walk will take you around the Square Mile as you hear stories of the Romans and Italians, the hard-hitting Great Plague and Great Fire, and how the city was raised from the ashes once more by Sir Christopher Wren. Start at Tower Hill station, £2/£9/£12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

FASHION FORWARD: Make a one-of-a-kind hard shell party clutch bag, or surprise someone with a personalised gift. In this workshop you can choose from a selection of designer and vintage fabric and add a bit of sparkly embellishment too. Dotty's Tea House (Carshalton), £49, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

UNNECESSARY DETAIL: Enthusiasts, scientists, miscellaneous experts and comedians are invited to talk about whatever they want, in whatever level of detail they want... but be warned, you revoke all rights to complain about what they choose to bang on about by attending this event. Backyard Comedy Club (Cambridge Heath), £11, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm

POETRY EVENING: Poetry slam winner and Glastonbury performer Vanessa Kisuule headlines this poetry evening. Those with something to say can perform their own poetry in a five minute slot — those who don't can simply sit back and take in the words. Love & Dye (Raynes Park), free, just turn up, 8pm

FREE COMEDY: You like laughing, right? And you like free things? Then we're set. Barry Ferns presents a mix of comic favourites performing longer sets for a laugh out loud evening. The Camden Head, free, just turn up, 8pm-10pm


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Relive your childhood on Alexandra Palace's giant waterslide

Move over kids: adults can take to the slope on this giant waterslide, which is coming to Alexandra Palace's annual Summer Festival on 22 July.

As well as this, there’ll be an outdoor cinema and three live music stages, with The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club headlining. Check out all the craft beer and street food that will get your mouth watering —whether you fancy ribs and a pint, or churros and a cocktail, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Bring along the whole family — the kids will enjoy theatre performances and craft workshops, and may even fancy joining in with Big Fish Little Fish’s Family Rave. Get the lowdown on what’s happening at this free entry festival here.


Art review: little devils

Sitting in circles, climbing up chains or hanging limply from walls. These cutesy devils by Permindar Kaur are all over the gallery. It’s a bit like walking through a shop filled with eerie dolls, harmless yet somehow threatening at the same time. Permindar Kaur: Black and Blue at New Art Projects, 6D Sheep Lane, E8 4QS. Until 1 July, free. ★★★★☆ (Tuesday-Saturday)

Food review: hot chicken of your dreams

It's named after a bad, bad man — folklore-outlaw figure Stag O'Lee — but this Fulham soulfood joint is serving up a seriously good menu. Everything bar the fries is made from scratch in the downstairs kitchen, and that amount of TLC pays off in a big way. All the Southern Americana classics are there — collard greens with ham hock, spinach dip thick with cheese, cornbread, fried catfish... and what might be the best hot chicken you'll find this side of Nashville: it's definitely the best we've found in London. Food to warm the heart comes coupled with a menu of bourbon, rye and moonshine to get you fired up. Cocktails are a strong suit, with the Southern Hospitality an enamel mug of sweet tea vodka, Southern Comfort and tart, homemade lemonade — the sort of cocktail you want to drink on a sultry day on a shady porch. Throw in good, bluesy music and service with Southern warmth, and we have a hunch we'll be spending a lot of time here. Real, ridiculously good soulfood in a soul-warming restaurant. Stagolee's, 453 North End Road, SW6 1NZ. ★★★★★ Lydia Manch

Theatre review: to go or not to go?

After Benedict Cumberbatch’s hit performance as the desperate Dane two years ago, it is his Sherlock opposite number Andrew Scott’s turn to play arguably the Bard’s most famous character. The leading man is ably assisted by Truly, Madly, Deeply’s Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey’s Lady Sybil) as Ophelia; all three are utterly mesmerising. Director Robert Ive borrows heavily from the Ivo van Hove Shakespeare stylebook, employing recorded and live video techniques similar to those used by the Belgian in his mammoth productions. Scott’s nuanced and passionate performance amid a highly talented ensemble make this one of the theatre hits of the summer. Hamlet. Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN. £15-£95. Until 2 September. ★★★★★ Franco Milazzo

Good cause for the day

ONE MILLION STEPS: Why not walk instead of taking the tube, and be on your way to completing the One Million Step Challenge in aid of Diabetes UK. Starting on the 1 July and running until 30 September, participants are encouraged to push themselves out of their comfort zone and take an average of 10,000 steps a day. Free, 1 July-30 September