All week
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH: February is LGBT+ History Month, with a wealth of events going on all over the country. Here's our pick of 11 things to do in LGBT+ History Month in London — with this week's events including an off-Broadway show, and Royal Opera House tours.
LUNAR NEW YEAR: This Tuesday sees Lunar New Year celebrated across east Asian countries, with many Chinese New Year events welcoming in the Year of the Tiger. From family-friendly activities to special menus and online events, here's our guide to celebrating Lunar New Year in London this week.
CHOCOLATE AFTERNOON TEA: The Chocolate Cocktail Club launches a chocolate afternoon tea on Tuesday. Tuck into sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats, washed down with tea, coffee or hot chocolate — or, if you're feeling swish, prosecco or a Chocotini. The Chocolate Cocktail Club (Farringdon), £25-£32 per person, book ahead, from 1 February
COULD IT BE MAGIC? Comedy meets magic in Paul Aitchison's one-man show, Could It Be Magic? It takes the format of the finale of a magic competition, with Aitchison playing the role of all four finalists. Wilton's Music Hall, £12.50-£27.50, book ahead, 1-5 February
BOB MARLEY: Saatchi Gallery opens an exhibition about the life and work of Jamaican musician Bob Marley. Music, memorabilia, fan art and previously unseen photos feature, including some highlighting Marley's connections to London. Saatchi Gallery (Chelsea), from £19.80, book ahead, 2 February-18 April
ENFIELD WINTER LIGHTS: Just when you thought light festival season was over, Enfield throws its hat into the ring. Enfield Winter Lights takes place at locations across the north London borough for five weeks, with installations to see and creative workshops to take part in. Enfield, free to visit the installations, charge and booking required for workshops, 3 February-9 March
CYRANO DE BERGERAC: For a limited five-week run, James McAvoy stars in Cyrano de Bergerac, reprising the role he first played in 2019. Head to Harold Pinter Theatre to watch the story of Cyrano, who almost has it all — if only he could win the heart of his true love. Harold Pinter Theatre, from £48, book ahead, 3 February-12 March
VAN GOGH: The newly-refurbished Courtauld Gallery turns its attention to Dutch painter (and former Brixton local) Vincent van Gogh, with specific focus on his self portraits. From the Courtauld's own collection, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is the centrepiece of the exhibition, with more than 15 other works also on show. Somerset House, from £16 adult, book ahead, 3 February-8 May
Monday 31 January
SIDNEY POITIER: To Sir, With Love, starring the great Sidney Poitier, who we recently lost, is the film for this afternoon's Regency Seniors cinema session. Anyone 55 or over can watch the film for the bargain price of £4. Regent Street Cinema (Oxford Circus), £4, book ahead, 1pm
MEANDERING AROUND MARYLEBONE: Guildhall Library hosts City Guide Jill Finch for an online talk about the Marylebone area, covering Sherlock Holmes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Harley Street doctors, architect John Nash, Broadcasting House and the Langham Hilton. Online event, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
THAMES SHIPWRECKS: They've been in the news recently due to a potentially explosive wreck off the Kent coast, but there are more Thames shipwrecks than that. Footprints of London guide Rob Smith looks at 12 of them in detail, dating as far back as the 17th century. You'll also get tips on where you can view them yourself, from a safe distance. Online event, £8 per person/£16 group, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
REVOLUTIONISING PUBLIC HEALTH: What will our public health system look like as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic? Hear from expert Christopher Thomas, who maps out five new frontiers for public health, expanding on the principles put forward when the NHS was founded over 70 years ago. Conway Hall (Holborn) or online, £8/£5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
JESTER JESTERS: Jonathan Hearn, Chantal Feduchin Pate, Chris Cooke and Ed Mulvey are among the acts trying out new material live on stage at Jester Jesters Comedy Night, with Chris Timoney as MC. The Betsey Trotwood (Farringdon), £3, book ahead, 8pm-10pm
Tuesday 1 February
ROYAL PARKS BEETLES: Skathariphobics, look away now. Royal Parks hosts an online talk about the various species of beetles living in its green spaces. Find out what they can tell us about the history of the land, as well as their role in folklore, art and culture. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
TIME TRAVEL: No DeLorean required for astronomy expert Colin Stuart's talk on time travel. Find out what scientists already know about time, and delve into some of the questions which remain unanswered, such as whether time can be stopped. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
CANDLELIT PHOTOGRAPHY: Amateur and professional photographers alike are invited to the candlelit photography evening at Southwark Cathedral. Capture the building illuminated by hundreds of candles, as it stays open beyond normal hours. Southwark Cathedral, £11, book ahead, 7pm
MICHAEL HUTCHINSON: Meet cyclist, writer and former stand-up comedian Michael Hutchinson, as he discusses his life, career, and books. He's won 56 national time trial titles, and was the Ireland team's technical director for the Tokyo Olympics. The George IV (Chiswick), £12/£10, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
PUB QUIZ: The Three Compasses in Dalston claims to have the best pub quiz in Hackney — and they might not be wrong, given that the winning team get a £50 bar tab, while the second-to-last team win a round of shots. Expect terrible puns and dad jokes from host Tom. The Three Compasses (Dalston), £2 pp, book a table, 8pm
Wednesday 2 February
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: If you want to squeeze some culture into your lunchtime, enjoy a free concert by musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Once a month they take over the Great Hall at Queen's House to perform to the public. Queen's House (Greenwich), free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
CHESS CLUB: Need to work on your your chess game? The friendly folks at London Chess Community gather each Wednesday at the Thornhill Arms, welcoming beginners through to experts, for pints and a match or two. The Thornhill Arms (King's Cross), free, just turn up, 6pm
KATE HUMBLE: Author and TV presenter Kate Humble launches her new book, Home Cooked. It's her first cookbook, and at tonight's event she talks about how her rural life in Wales inspired the seasonal recipes. Seven Dials Clubs (Covent Garden), £8 (or £25 including book), book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
CRYPT LATES: Tonight is the first in a series of Crypt Lates events, which sees the crypt at St Martin in the Fields transformed into a late night music venue. Food and drink are available to order to the cabaret -style tables, to tuck into as you enjoy a show by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Lisa Canny. St Martin in the Field (Trafalgar Square), £8-£18, book ahead, 7pm
FOURPURE COMEDY: Craft brewery Fourpure presents a live comedy show, with tickets including a beer. Patrick Monahan, Rory O'Hanlon, Runi Talwar, Karen Hobbs and Charlie Partridge are on the line-up, with MC Siôn James. The Crown & Treaty (Uxbridge), £10, book ahead, doors 7pm, show 8pm
Thursday 3 February
BEHIND THE SCENES: We've already visited the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre — where Royal Museums Greenwich houses objects which aren't on display — and you can too, on a monthly behind the scenes tour. Find out the story of some of the 2.5 million objects, and learn how the team care for them and prepare them for display. Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre (Kidbrooke), £16, book ahead, 1.30pm
HISTORIES OF GAY MEN: In this LGBT+ History Month event, hear from historian Stephen Bourne about the history of gay culture, something he's been writing about for over 25 years. He talks about gay men who served in the Armed Forces, and depictions of gay men on TV. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
GALA NIGHT: Mel Giedroyc hosts a gala evening of music and entertainment in aid of homeless charity, the Choir with No Name. Special guests include musician Joe Stilgoe, actor Jonathan Bailey, and Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £17.50-£35, book ahead, 7pm
SPACE FOR NATURE: With climate and ecological topics becoming more pressing, hear from Brian Bleese, CEO of Dorset Wildlife Trust, about rewilding and nature recovery networks. Find out how we can make more space for nature, at a time when it's really needed. Online event, free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: The story of two young boys from Queens who went on to become musical duo Simon and Garfunkel is told live on stage. The Simon and Garfunkel Story uses video projection, lighting and a live band, with hits such as Mrs Robinson and Bridge Over Troubled Water featuring. Fairfield Halls (Croydon), £15-£43.50, book ahead, 8pm
Friday 4 February
ST JAMES'S PARK: So you think you know St James's Park? Join a Royal Parks guide for a wander around, learning some of its secret stories as you go. Hear about exotic royal pets, a King's mistress and more. St James's Park, £10, book ahead, 1.15pm-2.45pm
MEDIEVAL AIRBNB: Ever heard of the Prior of Sempringham's lodgings? Not many people have, but it was tucked away in Smithfield and acted as a London base for religious orders who wanted to maintain a base in the capital. Find out more about it on Guildhall Library's lecture. Guildhall Library or online, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
1920S HOUSE: Melanie Backe-Hansen, house historian and co-author of A House Through Time, offers an insight into the houses in the 1920s. Find out how the population demanded better housing after the first world war, and the effect this had into the 1920s and 1930s. Online event, suggested donation £5, book ahead, 2pm
EAST END BOXING: Watch a screening of Immigration & Boxing in the East End, a short documentary filmed in 2021 by Limehouse Boxing Academy. Hear from former boxers about the challenges faced by immigrants in the sport, and watch archive footage. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, book ahead, 6.30pm
PECKHAM RENAISSANCE: It's the penultimate week of Peckham Renaissance, a music event series which amplifies the voices of London’s new talent. Tonight, north-west London singer-songwriter Kwaku Asante performs original music which draws inspiration from neo-soul, R&B, and hip hop. Prince of Peckham, free entry before 10pm/£5 after, 9pm-2.30am
Saturday 5 February
HACKNEY FLEA MARKET: Love a bargain? Head to the Hackney Flea Market, where more than 30 selected traders are selling vintage items, including homewares, furniture, bric-a-brac, textiles and more. Abney Hall (Stoke Newington), free entry, just turn up, 5-6 February
KEW ORCHIDS FESTIVAL: You know spring is on its way when the Orchid Festival returns to Kew Gardens. 2021 was supposed to be Costa Rica's turn in the spotlight, but it was postponed until this year. With monkeys, sea turtles and other Costa Rican wildlife sculpted from the flowers — plus the usual floral arches and installation — it'll be worth the wait. Oh, and while you're at Kew, the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition runs on the same dates. Kew Gardens, included in admission, 5 February-6 March
SIX NATIONS: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy go head-to-head once again in the Six Nations rugby tournament, starting today. Whoever you're cheering on, here's where you can watch Six Nations in London. 5 February-19 March
KERRY GODLIMAN: Hot off the recent series of After Life, comedian and actor Kerry Godliman brings her latest comedy show, BOSH, to London. In it, she tackles a needy cat, a constantly disappointing camper van, ever-raging feelings of mum guilt and bewilderment at the phasing out of thimbles. Age 14+.Bloomsbury Theatre, £17, book ahead, 7.30pm
ARDAL O'HANLON: Whether you know him from Father Ted or Death In Paradise, there's no doubt that Ardal O'Hanlon is one highly amusing chap. Catch him at his witty best as he headlines this comedy night, with Sindhu Vee and Ivo Graham also appearing, and John Robins hosting. Union Chapel (Islington), £22, book ahead, doors 6.30pm, show 7.45pm
Sunday 6 February
FROCK ME VINTAGE: Refresh your wardrobe, as Frock Me! Vintage Fair is back in London for the first time this year. Browse clothes and accessories from over 60 traders, with items dating back to the 1920s. It's not uncommon for branded items such as Chanel and Biba to make an appearance, so keep your eyes peeled. Chelsea Old Town Hall, £5, book ahead, 11am-5.30pm
HOPE: Into folk dance? New commission Hope celebrates connectivity, interdependence, comradeship and resilience, through live musicians and dancers, electronic soundscapes, poetry and storytelling. Age 10+, Cecil Sharp House (Primrose Hill), £16/£10, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.30pm
ROMFORD RAIDERS: Puck-er up (geddit?) for a feisty ice hockey showdown between home team the Raiders, and Berkshire's Bees. Sapphire Ice & Leisure (Romford), £14 adult, £7 kids, book ahead, 5.15pm KO
SKETCH OFF! London doesn't have enough live sketch comedy, making this brilliant annual competition the place to binge. Watch of slew of acts battle it out in the quarter finals, and vote for your faves at the end. There are two shows today. Museum of Comedy (Bloomsbury), £11 per show, book ahead, 5pm and 7.30pm
BRYONY GORDON: Her past talks have sold out, so be quick if you want tickets to see journalist and author Bryony Gordon speaking about her new book, No Such Thing As Normal. The event's at Ally Pally, and Gordon discusses mental health and offers practical advice for issues such as sleep, addiction and worry. Alexandra Palace, £15.25-£36.70, book ahead, 7.30pm
Urban oddity of the week
As we welcome in Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year, here's a detail from Chinatown you may not have noticed. About half way along Gerrard Street, you'll spot what appears to be a typical K6 red phone box. Look closer, though, and you'll see that this one's been specially adapted to its environment. The top and lower-most panes in each faces carry a Chinese dragon design. It's very rare to find phone kiosks with such modifications, but here's another example.
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, so you could also go in search of these 12 tigers hidden around town.
Good cause of the week
Alzheimer’s Society is urging Londoners to join hundreds of people walking to stop dementia in its tracks at Trek26 London. The event takes place on Saturday 28 May, but you'll want to sign up now so you have plenty of time to get into shape and get your sponsorship sorted.
By signing up to a 13 or 26-mile trek across bustling streets, quiet green spaces and of course the iconic river Thames, avid hikers and beginners alike can experience the capital like they’ve never seen it before. To sign up for the challenge, see Alzheimer Society's website.
