Things To Do In London: Friday 17 July 2015

Things to do before breakfast

We've all had those well-intentioned moments where we set multiple alarms on our phones hoping that THIS time we'll get up and go for that morning jog. But the alarms come and go, and the day is half gone before we've even poured the milk on our cereal. Yet you can fit a lot into a morning if you can muster the motivation, and some things really are worth getting up for. We've suggested some things the city has to offer for early risers.

Things to do

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Surrey Natwest T20 Blast cricket team play in Kennington

EXHIBITION:
We love Ralph Steadman's politically charged illustrative work. (He designed the charming lamps that hang in the Poetry Cafe). This exhibition Printin' Backwuds presents 50 years' worth of cartoon work including never-seen-before stuff from the archives. Look out for prints wounded by the bullet holes from Beat poet William Boroughs's gun. Free, just turn up, until 13 August

CAMDEN BEACH:
There's no need to head to the coast to top up that tan. Camden Beach opens today complete with deckchairs, beach huts, and pop-up restaurants peddling tasty nosh. Stoli Lemonade will be on hand to cool you down with their homemade drinks and sorbets. Free, just turn up, noon-11pm

WALK IN THE PARK:
Escape the fumes of the city streets by taking a walking tour around Kensington Gardens. The park is home to a rich variety of trees and you'll be soaking up this history as well as some much needed fresh air. £5, prebook, noon

BRIXTON JAMM:
Spend a summer evening listening to DJs and sipping beer on Brixton Jamm's outdoor terrace. Get there before 8pm and you get a frankfurter hot dog and beer included in your ticket. £5, prebook, 6pm
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SPORT:
Cricket fans should head to The Oval in Kennington for the Natwest T20 Surrey Blast. You'll score club level seats and access to a private bar. Take friends along for what promises to be a great evening. £40, prebook, 6pm
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IMPROV:
There's a two-hour taster class in the art of improvisation at The City College Building in Old Street. By the end you should be more confident, creative and spontaneous. For budding actors, this is a great way to improve your skills without using a script. £6, prebook, 7pm
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CABARET:
Get your Friday night entertainment from Finger in the Pie's graduation showcase at Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which will be brimming with burlesque, drag and plenty of other preening performers. £9, prebook, 7pm
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LIVE JAZZ:
The Teabox is hosting another night of jazz featuring Richard Cook's Quintet; expect Brazilian blues, heartfelt ballads and classic swing tunes. The Tea Box offers an interesting selection of teas alongside beers and wines. We especially like the sound of the Baileys-soaked Irish Velvet tea. £5/£6, prebook, 7.30pm

COMEDY:
Tamar Broadbent performs very funny songs (we love the one about the Tube Ride of Shame); catch her previewing her new Edinburgh show at Camden’s Etcetera Theatre tonight. £6.50, prebook, 8pm

THE MAGIC HOUR:
Prepare to be amazed and mesmerised by internationally acclaimed magician Tony Middleton and his Victorian tricks at Grand Royale London in Hyde Park. Ticket includes a cocktail. £21.50, prebook, 8pm
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COMEDY:
Perhaps better known for his music and beatboxing, man of many talents Beardyman (aka Darren Foreman) will be performing at Comedy Cafe Theatre in Shoreditch tonight. £10, prebook, 8pm
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ILLUSTRATION EXHIBITION:
Graduates from Camberwell Illustration are putting on an exhibition under the Hoxton Arches. Rock, Paper, Scissors features work by 45 artists all working across a diverse range of media, themes and styles. Look out for workshops and discussions taking place during the exhibition. Free, just turn up, until 21 July


Secrets of the Underground

Discover the secrets of the underground with Londonist YouTube sensation Geoff Marshall. He'll lead you through unfinished stations, hidden corridors and secret shortcuts, unearthing aspects of subterranean London you never knew existed. This updated version of the DVD includes 20 minutes of extra footage, a bonus video and updated versions of each station. You can purchase the DVD from our Londonist shop.

Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at hello@londonist.com at least 48 hours before the event, and we will consider it for inclusion. Note: due to high volumes of email, we can’t always reply.
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