Interesting and unusual things to do for a fiver or less this week.
All week
TALBOT HOUSE:
In 1915 army chaplain Philip ‘Tubby’ Clayton established the Everyman’s Club at Talbot House. In this house rank was irrelevant, orders were prohibited and all soldiers were encouraged to forget about the war. This exhibition at Guildhall Library tracks the story of Tubby and this ‘oasis’ for soldiers during the First World War. It includes items from Talbot House, the memoirs of Tubby and the actual hut in which he wrote them after fleeing the Germans. Free, 12 October-8 January
BREWERY SHOWDOWN:
The Snooty Fox is hosting three days of beer and music and presenting some of the best craft ales from Northern and Southern England all under one roof. Top DJs will play the finest in 50s and 60s rhythm and blues, rock’n‘roll and soul music on Friday and Saturday nights. There will also be a festival food menu of Northern and Southern dishes to compliment the ales. Free, 15-17 October
LET'S ALL BE FREE:
Let’s All Be Free is a cross-platform initiative that explores and celebrates what it means to be free. This week there's a film festival in Hoxton which will screen a diverse selection of short fiction, documentary and “expression” films from across the globe, and will also feature spoken word artists, a panel discussion and a masterclass with Oscar winning Randolph Benson. 16-18 October
Monday 12 October
DAVID HARE:
David Hare discusses his memoir, The Blue Touch Paper, which interweaves the history of the period from 1947 to Margaret Thatcher’s election, with the story of how he first became a writer for film and theatre. Chaired by Tony Bicȃt. This talk at the National Theatre is followed by a booksigning. £4/£3, prebook, 6pm
COMEDY:
Ed Gamble headlines at the Good Ship in Kilburn’s regular club night, along with Ash Frith, Stephen Bailey, Maria Shehata and Carly Smallman. £4/£5, prebook, 8pm
Tuesday 13 October
A STUDY IN SCARLET:
The Royal College of Pathologists holds an evening of talks along topics such as forensic anthropology and forensic science. £2, just turn up, 6pm
NIGHT HOWLS:
There’s character and sketch comedy from Alison Thea-Skot, Joz Norris, Katia Kvinge, Fraser Millward and others at the Betsey Trotwood tonight, and all for nowt. Free, just turn up, 8pm
LIARS' LEAGUE:
The Liars' League brings together actors and authors to tell great, brand new stories. This week's theme is signs and omens as it's Hallowe'en — and strange things are happening/ Expect some spooky tales that are sure to make you shiver. £5, tickets on the door, 7.30pm
Wednesday 14 October
CAMERON AT 10:
On 11 May 2010, David Cameron entered Downing Street as the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812. He stood at the head of the first coalition government in 65 years. Five years in the making, and with unprecedented access to the Prime Minister and his inner circle, Cameron at 10 is the gripping inside story of what really happened behind the black door of Number 10. See at the Old Theatre at the LSE. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
SCREEN SOCIAL:
Screen Social returns to The Book Club to present BEAT — an evening of film, music and visual rhythm with guest artists and spoken word. There's also an open mic for anyone who wants to read lines, rhymes and verses. All proceeds go to Shelter. £3, prebook, 7pm
BOOK TALK:
Waterstones Piccadilly hosts an evening with Pulitzer winning author Jane Smiley. She'll be talking about her new book, Golden Age, the final novel in The Last Hundred Years trilogy. Free, prebook, 7pm
Thursday 15 October
A BODY IN THE RIVER:
As part of biology week, Professor Carolyn Roberts presents a talk at Barnard’s Inn Hall about the application of environmental science in murder investigations. Drawing on macabre and fascinating case studies, the lecture will range from particular cases to general principles of tracing bodies, and the application of science in supporting the law. Free, just turn up, 6pm
PETRIE FILM CLUB:
A screening at the Petrie Museum of this episode from Murder Rooms, set in late 19th century Edinburgh. Doctor-turned-detective (and Conan Doyle mentor) Joseph Bell is asked to unwrap a mummy but finds a recently murdered corpse. £5, prebook, 6pm
Friday 16 October
BRITISH ISLES:
UCL hosts a pop-up geology exhibition about the history of the British Isles. Earth Scientists from UCL will be on hand to give demonstrations of some common dating techniques, while museum specimens and samples collected by staff will be made available for a hands on experience. Free, just turn up, 1pm-4.30pm
COIN STREET FILM CLUB:
Meet local people and make new friends as you watch films on the big screen at the Coin Street neighbourhood centre. The Stuart Hall Project takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride through the upheavals, struggles and turning points that made the 20th century the century of campaigning, and of global political and cultural change. £5, just turn up, 6.30pm
Saturday 17 October
AUTUMN AMBLE WALKS:
Get your best foot forward this autumn, and enjoy the changing landscape on one of Transport for London's 40 guided walks around London. Free, just turn up, 17-18 October
Sunday 18 October
APPLE DAY:
There's a celebration of British apples at Woodlands Farm in Welling. There will be music by Skinners Rats, Kettle Bridge Concertinas, food, crafts, a treasure hunt, apple pressing, stalls selling local produce and an opportunity to try some Kentish cider. Entry is free, but donations are always welcome and go towards the running of the farm. 11am-4pm
