Things To Do in London Today is sponsored by IWM London.
Must-read stuff
- Secrets of the London Library.
- The history of London told in manholes.
- Discover secrets of the Northern line with this video.
Things to do today:
CONSERVATION SECRETS: Staff from the Zoological Society of London will be talking about the complex processes which go into breeding some of the more unusual animals in their care. Lecture is free, no booking required. £35, booking required for the meal after the lecture. From 6pm
WAR WALK: Discover important London landmarks and commemorate the Battle of the Somme with a walking tour around Whitehall and St James's Park, focusing on the year 1916. £10/£7, just turn up, 6.30pm
ORCHESTRA PREMIERE: Hear composer Jimmy Lee's debut classical album The Empty Room performed by musicians from the Corps of Army Music and the Orion Orchestra. Takes place at Conway Hall in Holborn. £15-25 (+booking fee), book in advance, 7pm
LAMPSHADE MAKING WORKSHOP: Take a break from Ikea and John Lewis furnishings by making a lampshade for your home at Pop Brixton. No previous experience is necessary, and you'll be guided through the whole process. £45, book in advance, 7pm
SCIENTIFIC SPEED DATING: Instead of firing arrows, Cupid will be using scientific formulas to find your Prince(ss) Charming at this dating night at Coin Laundry, Exmouth Market. £16.50, book in advance, 7pm
OPERA: The Pop-Up Opera performs an adaptation of Rossini's The Barber of Seville at the London Museum of Water and Steam. Sung in Italian with English captions. £17.50-25.00, book in advance, 7.30pm
JUGGLING SHOW: Watch juggling group Plastic Boom prove that juggling is more than throwing three balls, at their show Water on Mars at Jacksons Lane. Expect giant card castles and magnetic skipping ropes. £14, or whatever you think the show's worth, book in advance, 8pm
COMEDY GIG: Head to The Star of Kings in King's Cross for a night of comedy from Max+Ivan and Alex Kealy. Free (but donations are welcome), book in advance, 8pm
THELMA & LOUISE: Head along to the Prince Charles Cinema on Leicester Square for a 25th anniversary screening of Thelma & Louise. Guest speakers including Kate Muir, The Times's chief film critic, and Laura Snapes, Pitchfork's contributing editor, will share their views of the cult classic. £6-8.50, book in advance, 8.15pm
Things To Do In London Today is sponsored by IWM London.
Go behind the scenes of the most iconic war movies
Uncover the stories behind some of the best-known war films such as The Dam Busters, Where Eagles Dare, Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan at a fascinating new exhibition at IWM London.
Real to Reel: A Century of War Movies brings together film clips, costumes, props, scripts and artefacts from IWM's collections, to explore how filmmakers have found inspiration from personal stories, against the backdrop of war.
Delve into the historic events and experiences that have inspired the movies: look at the man behind the myth in Lawrence of Arabia, through to the real events of D-Day which were vividly recreated in Saving Private Ryan.
Real to Reel: A Century of War Movies runs at IWM London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ until 8 January. For more information, see the museum website.
Good cause of the day
CONCERT: Listen to cellist Gabriella Swallow collaborating with her Urban Family, a variety of contemporary musicians, in aid of the refugees in Calais. Takes place at The Forge in Camden. £12/£10, book in advance, 8pm
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Our daily pick of Funzing events
LINO PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP: Be inspired by Picasso's linocuts and make your own lino prints in East London. £18, 19 July
KIMONO WRAP CLASS: Learn how to make a tailored kimono wrap in 90 minutes. Bring along your own fabric — the brighter, the better — and learn the techniques you need. £19, 15/21/23/30 July
