Things To Do This Week In London: 29 April-5 May 2019

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All week

Inala comes to Peacock Theatre

BEDROOMS OF LONDON: Time's running out to see Bedrooms of London, and exhibition of photos of the living conditions of some of London's most disadvantaged children. The stories of the families whose lives are shown are told alongside the images. The Foundling Museum (Bloomsbury), included in admission (£7.50-£11),  just turn up, until 5 May

DEAF COMEDY: Scottish comedian Ray Bradshaw was raised by two deaf parents, a feature of his childhood which forms the bulk of his latest show, Deaf Comedy Fam. Even more impressive is the fact that he performs the show simultaneously in spoken English and British Sign Language. Soho Theatre, from £14, book ahead, 29 April-1 May

PISSARRO IN DULWICH: Dulwich Picture Gallery marks the 400th anniversary of Dulwich College with a new exhibition showcasing Camille Pissarro’s view of the school’s main building, painted in 1871. It's the first time the artwork has returned to Dulwich since it was painted, as it now belongs to Fondation Bemberg in Toulouse. Dulwich Picture Gallery, included in admission (£9/£8), just turn up, 30 April-4 August

INALA: The Soweto Gospel Choir joins forces with members of the Royal Ballet for a fusion of South African and Western cultures. Inala is performed by a company of 26 dancers, singers and musicians, and blends visceral dance with traditional Zulu rhythms. Peacock Theatre (Holborn), £18-£30, book ahead, 30 April-18 May

WOODWORK WONDERS: Ready to discover your inner Geppetto? From spoon carving to table making, The Goodlife Centre's range of boutique beginner workshops prove there's nothing as satisfying as making something beautiful and functional with your own hands. The Goodlife Centre (Bankside), from £70, book ahead, various date and times (sponsor)

Monday 29 April

See Reservoir Dogs in a pub in Hackney

SYLVIA PLATH: As more of her private letters are published posthumously, Poet in the City takes a look at the life of Sylvia Plath. Journalist Erica Wagner, poet Mona Arshi and writer Gail Crowther discuss the processes behind her work, and the blurring of boundaries between public and private. Kings Place (King's Cross), £12.50, book ahead, 7pm

RESEVOIR DOGS: See Quentin Tarantino's breakthrough film in characterful Hackney pub Hand of Glory. Suits and sunglasses at the ready boys. Hand of Glory (Hackney), free, just turn up, 8pm

Tuesday 30 April

There's a veggie supper club in east London

KUBRICK COLLABORATIONS: Coinciding with the current Stanley Kubrick exhibition, a panel of experts discusses the role of design in the filmmaker's work. Costumes, film posters, props and sets are all covered, including some of the most iconic scenes in cinema. Design Museum (Kensington), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

WINSTON CHURCHILL: How to: Academy hosts an evening with Winston Churchill biographer Andrew Roberts. In his research, he uncovered new sources — including King George VI's diaries — that offer an alternative look at the former prime minister. He discusses the full complexity of Churchill's character, including his good humour, and his love of the British Empire. Conway Hall (Holborn), £30-£50, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm

VEGGIE SUPPER CLUB: Tuck into an array of meat-free dishes at Nunnery Cafe's vegetarian supper club. Spring salad, handmade pasta with spicy tomato sauce, and sea salt and lemon chocolate mousse are all on the menu, and tickets also include a glass of wine. Nunnery Cafe (Bow), £15, book ahead, 7pm


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StubHub's top 3 gigs of the week

From film soundtracks to Take That, StubHub has all the tickets you need for an eclectic week in the capital. First up? Two rather different concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.

On Thursday, '70s art pop stars 10cc return to the iconic venue for the grand finale of their UK tour — get your tickets from £47.40 on StubHub. Then, on Saturday, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents an absolute treat for film buffs: a live performance of your all-time favourite movie themes, including Jurassic Park, Apollo 13, and Star Wars (it is May the 4th, after all). Tickets start at £40.10 on StubHub.

Finally, there's StubHub's score of the week: Take That's greatest hits at The O2. The legendary nineties boyband turned noughties comeback kings treat fans to their best-loved bangers from Thursday through to Sunday. Get your tickets from £60.70 on StubHub*.

*While tickets last


Wednesday 1 May

The Great Big Cabaret F*ckabout comes to South Bank

JAZZ AGE: Get an insight into jazz age jewellery. Sotheby's jewellery specialist Justin Roberts looks at the influences on Art Deco jewellery from Modernism, Cubism, China, India, Africa and Egypt in a supper talk — choose whether you buy a ticket for the meal, or just the talk. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £15/£30, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm

CHARITY COMEDY: Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders and Dane Baptiste are among the comedians performing sets at Farm Africa's Laughing Season. The charity comedy night raises money to support African farmers. Earth (Hackney), £12/£18, book ahead, 7pm-11pm

CABARET F*CKABOUT: International cabaret stars go a bit off-piste at the Great Bit Cabaret F*ckabout. Some try routines and concepts they've never performed before, while others switch genres completely for the night. Expect the unexpected and you won't be disappointed. Underbelly (South Bank), £14, book ahead, 9.30pm

Thursday 2 May

Go behind the scenes at Chelsea Physic Garden

GARDEN TOUR: Join an expert gardener for a behind the scenes tour of Chelsea Physic Garden. Visit areas usually off-limits to the public and find out about the work involved in managing the botanical collection. Chelsea Physic Garden, £30, book ahead, 11.30am-1pm

21ST CENTURY MODS: The Fashion & Textile Museum stays open late for an evening about mod culture in 21st century Britain. It's based on photographer Horst A.Friedrichs' book about contemporary mod subculture, with photos taken in London, Brighton and Scarborough. Fashion & Textile Museum (Bermondsey), £15/£12, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

ARCHIVES TOUR: Bishopsgate Institute opens its archives relating to the history of London for a tour. See books, maps, photos and documents about the capital — some of which have been in the collection for more than 120 years — and hear stories about detectives, gangsters and rowdy builders. Bishopsgate Institute (Liverpool Street), £7/£5, book ahead, 6.30pm

Friday 3 May

Go bellringing in Camberwell

BELLRINGING: Have a go at ringing a bell in a belfry. Begin with a walk through Camberwell, ending at St Giles Church where experienced bellringers introduce you to the art of change ringing. There's also a chance to climb the tower and learn about the history of bellringing. Denmark Hill station, £15, book ahead, 5.30pm

FONDUE NIGHT: Ooh la la — start your weekend the cheesy way with an evening of fondue at French cheese specialist La Fromagerie. Tuck into a classic Fondue Savoyarde, made from three cheeses, and dip bread, vegetables and other goodies. La Fromagerie (Highbury), £25, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

COMEDY: Tom Lucy performs new material in his show Reluctant Millennial. Born in 1996, he just about counts as a millennial, and he's not happy about it — watch him pouring out his snowflake woes, live on stage. Leicester Square Theatre, £15.25, book ahead, 9.15pm

Saturday 4 May

'Crufts for cats' comes to Tobacco Dock

CRUFTS FOR CATS: The London Cats International Show and Expo has been described as 'Crufts for cats'. It's an international competition, with 200 cats taking part in agility and other classes across seven judging rings, plus plenty of stalls selling cat-related items and celebrity appearances from the likes of James Bowen and A Street Cat Named Bob. Tobacco Dock (Wapping), £26.49/£16.29, book ahead, 4-5 May

DAWN WALK: Early risers are invited to join a dawn chorus walk around Horniman Museum's Gardens, experiencing the sounds of the birds as they wake for the day. Ornithologist David Darrell-Lambert helps you identify which sounds belong to which birds — and we reckon the view of the sun rising over the city is worth seeing from the gardens too. Horniman Museum (Forest Hill), £8/£5, book ahead, 5am-7am

DEAD MAN'S HAND: Immersive experience experts A Door In A Wall are back with their latest offering, Dead Man's Hand. An illicit gambling den is the starting point for a clue treasure hunt around the streets of Farringdon, in which participants try to solve the murder of gambler Jack Spade. 34 Cowcross Street (Farringdon), £32.50, book ahead, 1pm-5.30pm

ROSE MCGOWAN: Actor Rose McGowan is as well-known for her activism speaking out against sexual harassment as her on-screen work these days. She chats to journalist Sam Baker about her new memoir, Brave, and debuts some of her new music. Southbank Centre, £15-£25, book ahead, 7.30pm

Sunday 5 May

Drink bottomless cocktails at the Margarita Rumble

CROSSNESS: See inside London's 'cathedral of sewage', Crossness Pumping Station. At the open day, the public are invited in to see the beautiful building and get a closer look at the engines. There's also an exhibition about the history of the Victorian sewage works, and craft activities for kids. Crossness (Abbey Wood), £6/£2, book ahead, 10.30am-4pm

MARGARITA RUMBLE: How does bottomless margaritas on a bank holiday weekend sound? The Margarita Rumble is a cocktail festival where some of the UK's best mixologists go head to head to create the best margarita. Taste them all, then vote for your favourite to win. London Fields Arches, £35-£55, book ahead, 1pm-9.45pm

COMEDY FILMS: Watch comedy films from all over the world at the London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival. Films shown have been curated for a 'discerning London and UK audience' — make of that what you will. Candid Arts Trust (Angel), £5.83, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm