Things To Do In London This Weekend: 16-17 May 2015

This weekend’s Things To Do In London, sponsored by thinking bob.

All weekend

London West Bank Graffiti Workshop

DOCUMENTING UKRAINE:
Documenting Ukraine is a four-day umbrella festival organised by Open City Docs, Frontline Club and GRAD, bringing Ukraine’s leading names in documentary cinema and theatre to London. This weekend sees a full programme of contemporary Ukrainian documentary films. Various prices, prebook, 14-17 May

DUTCH CINEMA:
Dutch Centre and Cinema Bioscoop are organising Dutch Cinema, the first edition of the film festival for the Dutch and Flemish cinema in London. Various prices, prebook, 14-17 May

NEPALI FILM FESTIVAL:
ArtFix London in Soho holds a three-day film festival consisting of five feature films and two short films from Nepal. Money raised goes to the Nepal earthquake appeal. Various prices, prebook, 15-17 May

HITHER GREEN:
A week of fun kicks off in Hither Green. Visit the craft fayre, go on a teddy bear's picnic, dance to 70s and 80s tunes or admire your neighbours' gardens. Until 24 May

STAR WARS:
The new Star Wars experience at Madame Tussauds opens on Saturday. It features  16 of the most famous heroes and villains in scenes from the Star Wars universe. We recommend booking for this one. From 16 May

DUNKIRK LITTLE SHIPS:
Over 20 Dunkirk Little Ships will gather in London’s Royal Docks over the weekend, ahead of their return to Dunkirk to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuations. Various events are taking place including a sail past, twilight trips (£) and a remembrance service. 16-17 May

OPEN ART STUDIOS:
Various artist studios have open weekends coming up. Wimbledon Art Studios offers the opportunity to buy directly from over 150 artists (14-17 May). Cockpit Arts studios in Deptford are open to the public (15-17 May) as part of London Craft Week. Arches Studios in Peckham are open as part of Dulwich Festival (16-17 May)

WEDDING FAIR:
Getting married soon? The Etsy UK Wedding Fair will be showcasing everything you need for your wedding, from dresses and hairpieces through to cake-toppers. All tickets include a free drink. £7.50, 16 & 17 May, 10am/2pm
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S CLUB 7:
Yep, they're back and tonight they're taking on the O2 in Greenwich as part of their first tour in 10 years. As all nineties kids know, there ain't no party like an S Club party. £53, 16 & 17 May, 6.30pm
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LAST WORD FESTIVAL:
The spoken word and storytelling festival is back at Roundhouse in Camden. This year’s programme includes new work from artists including Polarbear, Mark Grist, Talia Randall, and Tongue Fu, plus masterclasses, panels and more. Various prices, prebook, 16-24 May

PIZZA MAKING:
Turn your hand to cookery and have a go at making your own pizza under knowledgable guidance from the experts at Mayfair Pizza Company. You can also learn about the history of pizza while enjoying a glass of prosecco. £25, Saturday 6pm, Sunday 12pm/3pm
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GRAFFITI WORKSHOP:
Head to London West Bank Gallery to learn the art of can-control, shading, fades, outlines and many more from a graffiti artist extraordinaire. The lesson lasts for two hours and your ticket includes one can of spray paint. £25, 11am/1pm, Saturday and Sunday
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CHOCOLATE TOUR:
Take a tour of award-winning chocolatiers and decadent chocolate boutiques in Mayfair, with seven tastings as you go. £15, Saturday 12pm/3pm, Sunday 12pm
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HARRY POTTER:
Meet in Leicester Square for this tour of London locations used in the Harry Potter films, from the iconic Platform 9¾ to the real spot Diagon Alley was based on. Valid Zone 1 travelcard/ Oyster card required. £10, 12pm Saturday/10.30am Sunday
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Saturday 16 May

The Boat Show Comedy Club returns to Tattershall Castle

TOWER BRIDGE TALES:
Professional storyteller Diana Olutunmogun will be entertaining families visiting Tower Bridge with the story of the famous double-decker bus that jumped the bridge as it opened in 1952. The day will also include arts activities for children. Included in ticket price, 10am-4pm

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:
Meet at Southbank Centre for this tour and tutorial in which you'll learn to get the most out of your DSLR camera. Learn about aspects such as focus tracking, optical vs digital zoom and more. £50, 10.30am
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YOGA FITNESS:
Start your weekend with a spot of yoga in a secluded garden in Chiswick. Soothe your mind and body, and leave feeling relaxed and serene. £10, 11am
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SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD:
Behind all great stories are the people you probably didn’t notice. Head to British Academy and celebrate Literature Week with an exclusive reworking of Romeo and Juliet from the point of view of someone who was there, but Shakespeare never mentioned. Free, prebook, 11am and 2pm (sessions last for 50 minutes)

DRAWING SOHO:
Take to the streets of Soho with reportage artist and illustrator, Anna-Louise Felstead, who leads a walking tour and introduction to drawing. If the name's familiar, she's the sister of Made In Chelsea star Binky. £30, prebook, 11am/3.30pm

PAGAN WALK:
Mental wellbeing organisation CoolTan Arts leads a walk, starting at Tate Modern and exploring pagan traditions, ending in Camberwell. Free (donations welcome), 11.45am

TUDOR PULL: The Tudor Pull is an annual ceremonial event for Thames Watermen’s Cutters. A number of traditional rowing cutters, including the Queen’s Row Barge Gloriana, will be rowing from Hampton Court Palace to the Tower of London. See them at Teddington Lock at approximately 12.15pm or arriving at the Tower of London on the starboard side of the channel at around 4.30pm. Free, just turn up, 12pm-5pm

CHARITY AUCTION:
The Print Bank Charitable Trust holds an auction at the Royal Albert Hall of photographs of well known musicians. Each photograph is signed by both the photographer and the musician featured. All proceeds will be split between Peta, The Teenage Cancer Trust, Shelter and Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice Care. £78.50, prebook, 12.30pm

INDIAN SUMMER BRUNCH:
Oblique London have partnered with Michelin Star Chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen for an Indian brunch experience with dancing, party games and more. £20, 1pm
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APOLLO 13:
Watch 1995 film Apollo 13, starring Tom Hanks, at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Scientist Dallas Campbell and sciencey comedians Helen Keen and Helen Arney will be on hand to provide (mostly) scientific commentary to the film. £13, 1pm
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MAYFEST:
Dulwich Picture Gallery's Mayfest kicks off with an outdoor screening of the 1935 initial release of Hitchcock's The 39 Steps. Ticket also includes entry to the Ravilious exhibition, and the screening is followed by a free dance class with dance school Swing Patrol. £18, 6pm
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PULP FICTION:
The Pulp Fiction Experience takes place at Courtyard Theatre. The event will include a screening of Pulp Fiction alongside a themed party with a band playing music from the film. The event will be free but donations will be collected on behalf of Help Musicians UK and CTBF. 6pm-11pm

EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER:
The October Gallery holds a fundraising event for victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal. There's a silent auction, with work contributed by Nepalese artists based in London, plus food, music and more. £20, prebook, 6.30pm

COCKTAIL MAKING:
Learn how to shake it like a pro at this cocktail masterclass at Mews of Mayfair. Ticket includes a Bellini and nibbles on arrival, a demonstration of two cocktails and the chance to make one of your own. Age 18+. £30, 6.30pm
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NIGHT SAFARI:
Explore the Natural History Museum at night on this Night Safari, exploring the past, present and future of the Museum. Scientists will share pioneering research and reveal remarkable specimens, travelling through three centuries ofmuseum history. £27-£40, prebook, 6.30pm

LIVE MUSIC:
Cambridge four piece indie band The Abstracts perform at 229 Club in Euston. Unfamiliar with their work? Think The Libertines. Also on the line-up are WetPainttt, Love Street and Sophie Stokes. £6, 7pm
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WAM BAM CLUB:
Head to The Electric Carousel in Piccadilly for a 40s inspired supper club, complete with a night of burlesque and cabaret. £20, 7pm
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BOAT SHOW COMEDY:
Paddle steamer The Tattershall Castle has been reinstalled in its rightful place on the Thames, close to Embankment station, after a makeover. The Boat Show Comedy Club restarts this week. Line-up includes The Noise Next Door, Marcel Lucont, Charlie Baker and MC David Morgan. Once the laughter's over, party on the HMS President nightclub till late. Age 21+. £13.50, 7pm
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CANAL MUSEUM CONCERT:
World-renowned classical harpist, arranger and composer Catrin Finch will perform at a special evening for Museums at Night in support of international charity WaterAid and the London Canal Museum. £15/£12.50, prebook, 7pm

JACK THE RIPPER:
This two-hour walking tour, starting in Aldgate, covers the history of famous serial killer Jack The Ripper. Discover the theories that surround his identity and motives. £10, 7pm
Info & Buy

CROWN JEWELS:
As part of London Burlesque Festival, Crown Jewels brings together the best burlesque and variety acts in the UK scene at Conway Hall in Holborn. £20-£45, 7.30pm
Info & Buy

EUROVISION WARM-UP:
Head to the Spiegeltent at London Wonderground, where the cream of the alternative cabaret crop present their take on classic Eurovision moments a week ahead of this year’s final. £17.50, 9.30pm
Info & Buy

Sunday 17 May

Catch a screening of Good Will Hunting, starring Robin Williams

SUPERHERO RUN:
Dress up as your favourite superhero and raise vital funds for The Honeypot Children’s Charity in a 5k or 10k run around Regent's Park. Registration fee: £22, minimum sponsorship £100. Register in advance, 10am-2pm

PHOTOGRAPHICA FAIR:
The annual International Camera Collector’s and User’s Fair is back at Lindley Hall in Pimlico. Up to 135 stalls will be buying, selling and swapping thousands of collectable, user and retro cameras plus lenses, accessories, film, paper, literature and images £5, just turn up, 10am-4.30pm

AFFORDABLE VINTAGE:
Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair is back at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton with a selection of hand-picked stalls packed with affordable vintage fashion, accessories and homewares. £3/£2, just turn up, 10.30am-4.30pm

DIY ART MARKET:
Head to Epic Dalston for the DIY Art Market, where you can buy work directly from artists and makers at a reasonable price. Free, just turn up, 11am-6pm

JAZZ LUNCH:
Tuck into a roast dinner at The Lexington in Angel and enjoy live jazz from the Acoustic Nomad collective while you eat. Also included is a free Bloody Mary cocktail or a Mimosa. £12.50, 1pm/2pm/3pm
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SHAUN OF THE DEAD:
Watch a screening of British comedy zombie film Shaun of the Dead at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Even better, scientist and zombie expert (yes, really) Karl Byrne and comedian Nat Luurtsema will be talking about the science behind the film. Us? We'll be in The Winchester, having a pint and waiting for all this to blow over. £13, 1pm
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GIGGLY & GREENFINGERED:
Hahahopscotch brings Brunel-themed family gardening fun to the Brunel Museum. Plant some seeds, get a teeny bit muddy, and take home your very own gardening project. £5, prebook, 2pm-6pm

MAGIC CAVERN:
Take the whole family along to the Barons Court Theatre in Kensington for magic and illusion show The Magic Cavern. Age 6+. £10, 3pm
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GOOD WILL HUNTING:
Watch a screening of Good Will Hunting , starring late comic actor Robin Williams, at Chelsea Old Town Hall. The screening is accompanied by a science commentary as mathematician James Grimes unveils the theory behind the film, alongside comedians Dan Schreiber and Helen Arney. £13, 6.30pm
Info & Buy

OPEN AIR CONCERT:
The London Symphony Orchestra with Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev give a free, open-air concert in Trafalgar Square. They will be joined by violinist Nicola Benedetti, who will perform movements from Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No 1. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8.30pm

COMEDY:
Robin Ince is about to retire from stand-up for a while, so catch him with Mark Watson, Gein's Family Giftshop and Lou Sanders at Suspiciously Cheap Comedy in Bethnal Green. £5/£3+bf, prebook, 6.30pm

COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR:
Watch the semi finals of the Old Comedian of the Year competition at the Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury. 100 not-so-new acts have competed for a spot in the semis, and the audience can vote to make sure their favourite makes it through to the final. £7.50, 7pm
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Make the most of May with thinking bob

Street art tour, rooftop cinema and mystery-solving game: which is your favourite one? Sign up to thinking bob and choose your favourite social events to take part in this month. Join this online and offline community, connect with like-minded Londoners and make the most of the capital together. Sign up now: the first month is free (£1 booking fee).

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This weekend’s Things To Do In London This Weekend is sponsored by thinking bob.


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