What we're reading
- A man drops everything to rescue a cat from the Thames.
- Neighbours claims an illegal housing block in Hoxton keeps getting taller.
- What the New York subway could learn from the London Underground.
- Huge fires break out near former greyhound track and future football stadium, Plough Lane in Wimbledon.
Things to do today
CRAFT WEEK: It's the launch of London Craft Week today, a combination of imagination, individuality and pretty cool stuff. Various location, various prices, book ahead, until 7 May
THIS IS HULL!: This new exhibition focuses on one community's fight against racism, featuring Richard Lees' 1979 silkscreen posters for Hull Rock Against Racism. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, until 26 May
GUIDED WALK: Thamesmead doesn't always appeal as London's most glamorous locale, but it's packed with industrial, maritime and military history — find out more on this guided walk. Plumstead Station, £9/£12, book ahead, 11am-3pm
PUB SCIENCE: Learn all about the chemistry of cooked food, and why humans evolved to want it, in the comfy confines of a pub near London Bridge. The Old King's Head, free (donations welcome), just turn up, 6pm for 7pm start
CRICK LATE: The new Francis Crick Institute holds its first late opening, an evening of pop-up science with talks, demonstrations, live music, food and drink. Francis Crick Institute (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6pm-9.30pm
SHORT FILMS: See a collection of short films exploring the diverse everyday life of London at The Big Smoke. 93 Feet East, £3, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
LIVE MUSIC: Time for some eclectic tunes at the weekly Starry Starry Nights, this time, music comes from: Ed Dowie, Firestations, Tommy Tiger and Happy Hooves. Star by Hackney Downs, £5, just turn up, 7pm-11pm
FREE COMEDY: Every Wednesday night, the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich hosts free comedy. The pub has seen William Gladstone and Charles Dickens eat side-by-side, so if the comedy sucks, entertain yourself by thinking about what they might have discussed. Trafalgar Tavern, free, just turn up, 7.30pm-9.30pm
PAGAN FILM: The month of May has a bank holiday with origins tied to pagan festivals, so Barbican are screening a small but sweet folk horror season, Into The Woods (nothing to do with the film of the same name). Tonight it's 1984's The Company of Wolves with an introduction from producer Stephen Woolley. Barbican, £5-£9.50, book ahead, 8.45pm
CYPRIOT POETS: Five Cypriot poets talk about and tell the story of their divided community through poetry. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 8pm
Comedy review: Hagen's hilarious saga
At the age of eight, Sofie Hagen married a plank of wood. It's the kind of twisted childhood memory she has a field day with — weaving it in and out of the saga that is her Danish childhood, until it unravels into a bloody, dog-chewed mess. Hagen has a knack of folding black, often erotic comedy into universal childhood nostalgia; even when she rambles a bit, you find yourself leaning in to catch every word. Shimmer Shatter will make you laugh, and it may well make you sob (someone behind us was by the end). This is your last chance to see it — Hagen's about to unleash her third tour. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE, £15/£13, until 6 May ★★★★☆ Will Noble
Art review: powerful propaganda
We've already had the Royal Academy's big Russian show, now it's the turn of the British Library to commemorate the centenary of the Russian Revolution. This is the broadest in scope, covering every aspect of Russia a century ago through masses of literature, including a rare first edition of the Communist Manifesto.
The real strength of this exhibition lies in the extensive collection of propaganda posters. Whether it's villagers fleeing from the White Army or Japan made out to be a giant monster, the style of these pieces is strikingly superb. The best Russian Revolution show of the year so far. Russian Revolution: Hopes, Tragedy, Myth at The British Library, until 29 August, £13.50 ★★★★☆ Tabish Khan
Comedy review: cheeky, camp... and dangerous too
Full of enthusiasm and effervescence, Al Porter shines on stage at Soho Theatre (almost as shiny as the suit in his promo shots). He immediately has the crowd in stitches after witty remarks about characters in the audience (word of warning: the front row in this show is a dangerous place to be...). Kitsch? Check. Camp? Check. Not for the faint hearted? Check again. But Al's Irish charm has the audience in tears. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE, from £15, until 6 May ★★★★☆ Harriet Davis
Dance review: sexy, sordid, stunning
Not all ballets concern fairy tales and frilly tutus, and Kenneth Macmillan's Mayerling is an intense psychological thriller. Based on the real death of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary and a 17-year old girl in 1889, the sexy, sordid, stunning and superlative dancing explores stifling hierarchies and seedy taverns. Edward Watson (opening night's Rudolf) is brilliant at portraying the Prince's disturbed mind, while the cast list reads like a dancers' hall of fame. Mayerling, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E, £4-£100 until 13 May ★★★★★ Sam Smith
Good cause for the day
JELLYFISH: Sea Life London just launched their exhibition on jellyfish; now here's the chance to meet the curator and get a special guided tour (snorkel optional). Find out what it takes to look after these strange and magnificent creatures. All funds go towards the Sea Life trust protecting marine life around the globe.
