Things to do today is sponsored by the Young Vic.
What we're reading
- A brief history of Peckham's Rye Lane.
- Women's rights campaigner Mary Macarthur, is getting a blue plaque in Golders Green.
- Tardis spotted.
- Testing London's black cabs in Norway.
- Nine out of 10 private renters in London have experienced serious problems while renting.
- Bexley residents don't want anything to do with Woolwich.
Things to do today
THE WOMEN'S SPACE: It's the grand opening of a week-long pop-up on Mount Street in Mayfair. The space will host talks and workshops aimed at women looking to get involved in fashion, culture and the arts. The Mayfair Collective, free, book ahead, 8am-9pm
THE F WORD: No, not that F word. The Oxo Gallery is talking about forgiveness, with The Forgiveness Project, an exhibition with talks and storytelling events. Oxo Gallery, free, just turn up, 11am-6pm, 8-12 March
SCULPTURE WALK: Wander through Broadgate, a veritable hub of contemporary sculpture in the heart of the City on this guided lunchtime walk. Meet at Barclays bank on Moorgate, £5, book in advance, 1pm-1.50pm
THE VALUE OF HERITAGE: Old places used to be valued for their beauty and interest, but this isn't always the case anymore. Simon Thurley explores whether we need to develop a new argument as to why we should care for our historic environment. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
SHECAN: Watch female London-based artists on International Women's Day, performing beatbox, dance, spoken word and more to inspire and celebrate a culture of peace. Bhavan Centre, £5, book ahead, 6.15pm-9.15pm
SENSE SAFARI: Sound out Greenwich late at night, as you learn to ignore your eyes and follow your ears on this guided tour. Learn how to listen to the buildings and surroundings. Greenwich railway station, £21.43/£13.09, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
OOH LA LA: Step into a Versailles party at Brasserie Zédel. Ooh La La Baroque Opera! brings you rare and underperformed pieces from the classical and Renaissance repertoire. There's also a short, sexy, fun opera (oui, there is such a thing). Brasserie Zédel, £37.75/£20, book ahead, 7pm
1000 LONDONERS: For International Women's Day, Hackney Attic presents 10 Women x 10 Decades, a series of short films celebrating unsung female Londoners. Hackney Attic, £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
A DISAPPEARING ACT: Everyone disappears. That's the conceit key to this comedic play, inspired by TED talks and magic. The Dugdale Centre, £12.50/£9.50, book ahead, 7.45pm
SEBRIGHT ARMS: Legendary Hackney music venue, the Sebright Arms, is back with a bang. They've got a series of gigs lined up for their relaunch. Tonight it's the turn of alt-rockers Ulrika Spacek to wow the crowds. Sebright Arms, £6, book ahead, 8pm
Sponsor message
Experience the dark side of Shakespeare at the Young Vic
If you think you know Shakespeare, think again. It's time to see one of the Bard's works like you've never seen it before. The Young Vic's take on A Midsummer Night's Dream is a modern, dark and gritty retelling of the usually 'flowery' play; the ultimate show of desire and betrayal.
Mix this with a few sinister and nightmarish visions and an exploration of our deepest darkest subconscious, and you have A Midsummer Night's Dream made for 2017. Head to the Young Vic for a version of Shakespeare's legendary drama that will leave you with a feeling that maybe this is all a dream... or a nightmare.
Book tickets from £10 for A Midsummer Night's Dream, which is playing until 1 April — see the trailer here.
Art review: the mundane given new life
Josiah McElheny has created visually stunning mirror sculptures and a stained glass theatre for showcasing a rather dry film, but the exhibition can stand on visuals alone. In the other galleries Ibrahim Mahama has made starker works but equally overwhelming — we're dwarfed by stacks of shoemaker boxes and sacks from markets. Mundane items given new life and power. Josiah McElheny: The Crystal Land & Ibrahim Mahama: Fragments, White Cube, 144-152 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ. Until 13 April, free. ★★★★☆ (Tuesday-Sunday)
Theatre review: virtually beautiful
Kate Fleetwood plays an American war veteran, physically and mentally scarred, undergoing a new virtual reality therapy for crippling chronic pain. It doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs but it's actually wryly amusing with some stinging one liners, mostly at the expense of the ineptitude of those around her in coping with her situation. Es Devlin's beautiful motion filled set swamps a patchy play that never entirely achieves the level of emotional connection that it has the potential for. Ugly Lies the Bone, National Theatre, Southbank, SE1 9PX, £15-50, Until 6 June ★★★★☆ (Monday to Saturday) Chris Bridges
Good cause for the day
WORLD OF RHINOS: Here's an evening of illuminating discussions on the Wild World of Rhinos. Hear first hand from the people trying to save them in Africa. All funds go towards making sure more of these wonderful animals survive. The Royal Institution, £95/£30/£25, book ahead, March 23, 6pm-10pm
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