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Catch up with what's been going on in London with our latest news roundup.
Things to do today:
THE RAINY SEASON: Poets and performers take to the floor for this free lunchtime show at St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street. Free, just turn up, 12.30pm
CAROL CONCERTS: There's a wealth of carol concerts taking place across London today. Dimbleby Cancer Care hosts carols by candlelight at St Mary Magdalen in Bermondsey. The carol concert in aid of Children & The Arts takes place in Sloane Square, while The Children's Trust Christmas Concert takes place at Cadogan Hall. See individual events for times and prices.
SIR CHRISTOPHER RICKS: Professor Sir Christopher Ricks is one of the most important and influential literary critics active today, and tonight he's giving a talk at Senate House with the New College of Humanities. He'll be talking on the topic "the medium of drama is not words". Free, prebook, 6pm
SHORT STORIES: Marina Warner and Helen Simpson are chatting about short stories and reading from their latest collections at the London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury. £10, prebook, 7pm
CHRISTMAS JUMPER SWAP: Bored of last year's Christmas jumper, and want to switch up your wardrobe on the cheap? Head to Stories on Broadway to swap it with someone else. Free (voluntary donations to Centrepoint), just turn up, 7pm
POLARI CHRISTMAS: LGBT literary salon Polari meets at Southbank Centre for readings from Andrea Stuart, Paula Varjack and VG Lee, and live music from Marcus Reeves. £5, prebook, 7.30pm
BRIXTON BOOK JAM: Head to Hootananny Brixton for free quarterly literary event Brixton Book Jam. Writers talking at the event include Jenny Stallard, Eleanore Etienne, Jacqueline Crooks, Richard Skinner and Fraser McAlpine. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
DEATH CAFE: Head to Ziferblat in Shoreditch to take part in a Death Cafe — an honest and open discussion about all things to do with death. £3, prebook, 8pm-10pm
COMEDY: Simon Munnery headlines Hello Comedy at the Catford Constitutional Club, with more sets from Grainne Maguire, Amy Howerska and Stephen Bailey, among others. Free, just turn up, 7.45pm
Stuff to get tickets for tonight:
PAJAMA MEN: Surreal comedy duo Pajama Men perform 2 Man 3 Musketeers at Soho Theatre, "a live, comic existential meltdown that takes place as two comedians attempt to stage an epic, historical, romance novel in under an hour". Show starts 9pm (other dates available), tickets £15.
LOVE ACTUALLY: The Exhibit's Festival Film season is underway and even though this film has been totally and utterly taken to pieces people still want to watch it at Christmas. Go the whole hog, drink mulled wine, eat a Christmas dinner and cry at the end — there's no excuse any other time of year. Film screens at 8.45pm, tickets from £9.90.
GOSPELOKE: Feel the festive euphoria as you sing Christmas karaoke backed by a full gospel choir. Pretend you're Whitney, belt it out. Gospeloke's Christmas Spectacular is at Electric Carousel in St James's from 7.30pm. Tickets £10.
G4: Experience uplifting Christmas classical music by candlelight, serenaded by X-Factor success story G4 in the very beautiful St James's Church, Piccadilly. Lovely. Concert starts 7.30pm, tickets £22.50.
THE SPURS SHOW LIVE: Be at The Spurs Show Christmas party hosted by impressionist and comedian Phil Cornwell, with Spurs legends Keith Burkinshaw and Peter Shreevehour. With music, raffle, quiz and more at Guanabana, Covent Garden from 8pm. Save £10 with YPlan, tickets £15.
Browse and book many more London events at our tickets site, powered by YPlan.
Good cause of the day
The Missing People Carol Service takes place at St Martin In The Fields tonight, showing solidarity with people who have loved ones missing. It's hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald and features music from several choirs. £15, prebook, 6.30pm
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