While London's in the gristly midst of a month-long death junket, some will be relieved to know this October also sees a mini-festival all about staying alive and well.
That said, some of it's still pretty gruesome.
Medical-themed stand up comedy, anatomical art lessons and demos in a Georgian operating theatre are on the agenda for Mediculture — a week-long orgy of hospital-y happenings around London Bridge from 20-26 October.
The area positively festers with medical history — it is, of course, home to Guy's Hospital, whose atmospheric chapel hosts an evening of medicinal comedy, MCed by Dr Steve Cross (21 Oct).
Another medical landmark around here is the Old Operating Theatre, where brave souls can witness a live demonstration of an early 19th century "amputation" (21 Oct) — in which we are assured no patients are harmed.
The original St Thomas' Hospital was right here in Southwark, and there's a chance to swot up on its history — with roots going back to the 12th century — during a Zoom talk (20 Oct).
The Florence Nightingale Museum (which neighbours today's St Thomas' over by Westminster Bridge) explores facts and myths around the menopause, as well as how to treat it (20 and 25 Oct), while at Gordon Museum of Pathology, you can partake in anatomical art, inspired by the specimens around you (25 Oct).
There's also the opportunity to quaff a little history on the importance of hops to Southwark, as well as their medicinal quality, with a walking tour from London Blue Badge Tourist Guide Dafydd Wyn Phillips (23 Oct).
All mediculture events are free — find out more on the official website.
Mediculture Festival 2022, around London Bridge and online, 20-26 October.
