Things To Do In London Today: Monday 9 May 2016

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Discover 40 years of theatre at the V&A. Image: David McKelvey

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Read all about it!

This weekend has been mainly all about signing in a new mayor and wondering if Katie Hopkins will stick a sausage up her bum.

Things to do today:  

40 YEARS OF THEATRE: Celebrating 40 years of the Olivier Awards, the V&A presents Curtain Up — a dip into the archives of award-winning productions, including Phantom Of The Opera, A Chorus Line and Wolf Hall. Glimpse behind the scenes of Broadway and the West End and see what it takes to make a hit. Free, just turn up, 10am

TRANSIT OF MERCURY: The Transit of Mercury is a pretty rare thing. Only 12 times per century does Mercury transition between the Earth and the sun — appearing as a black dot on the surface. You should be able to see it in London if it's clear today. It won't be fully visible again in the UK until 2039, so see our list of places you can watch it happen. Free, just turn up, approx 12.12pm-7.42pm

DYING FOR SHAKESPEARE: In 1849, a performance of Macbeth in New York provoked a riot that killed as many as 30 people. Behind the tragedy lay a bitter feud between a British actor and America's first stage star. This lecture at the British Library delves into the story behind this tragedy, with historian and critic Nigel Cliff. £8, prebook, 6.30pm

LOVE AND REVOLUTION: As part of the European Literature Festival, Fariba Hatchtroudi discusses her novel, The Man Who Snapped His Fingers, with Alex Preston at the Free Word Lecture Theatre as part of Wanderlust: Great Literature from Around the World. £5/£3, prebook, 6.45pm

MAKE A LAMPSHADE: Have a crafty evening at Hackney Pirates with Kith & Kin. They'll take you through the basics of whipping up your own lampshade from your choice of fabric. Make something unique this Monday. £45, prebook, 7pm

Is London Dying? Join the chat at Conway Hall. Image: Brian Parkin

THE DEATH OF LONDON: Conway Hall presents Is London Dying? In many ways, the city's sparkling with life, but rising house prices mean the relocation of many creatives to other European cities. Has London lost its edge? Join the debate tonight. £20/£10, prebook, 7pm

MEGACITIES: Discover the challenges of megacities at this panel discussion with Jonn Elledge, Barney Stringer, Nicole Badstuber and Tim Fendley, at King's College. Free, prebook, 7pm

COMEDY: It's improv night at Angel Comedy with the spontaneous lunatics Shoot From The Hip. They'll introduce some of the city's best improv and throw some of their own funny stuff in there too. Free, just turn up, 8pm

CRICK CRACK CLUB: Fairytales for adults from Emily Hennessey at Soho Theatre's Crick Crack Club. She'll weave magical myths of bloodthirsty goddess and cosmic fire eaters, with the enchanting sounds of sitar player extraordinaire Sheema Mukherjee. £10/£8, prebook, 8pm


Good cause of the day

St Paul's Church in Covent Garden throws open its doors for a night of music, in honour of the Gift Of Life Foundation. Children Of War features music and literature with Chulpan Khamatova and the pianist Katia Skanavi with the performance in Russian. £37.06-£126.74, prebook, 7.30pm, 9 May