Things to do
MODEL ENGINEERING: Trains, planes and automobiles (plus trucks, boats and helicopters) are all on display in miniature form at the Model Engineering Exhibition. Almost 2000 models are on show, along with the materials and tools you need to make your own model. Alexandra Palace, £3.50-£11.50, just turn up, 18-20 January
BRICKS OF THE WALL: This new theatre show is set at a dinner party in London affected by a power outage, where the subjects of Trump, Brexit and discrimination form divisions among the guests. Etcetera Theatre (Camden), from £15, book ahead, 18-27 January
TALES FROM THE SHED: The optimistically-titled spring season of children's theatre show Tales From The Shed begins today. Colourful puppets and lively songs feature in every show, and children are encouraged to make lots of noise. Chickenshed Theatre (Cockfosters) £6, book ahead, 11.30am
CHARLES I: A contemporary record of the trial of King Charles I forms the basis of this talk, which looks at the charges laid against the king, his conduct throughout the trial, and whether his execution was inevitable. The National Archives (Kew), £5/£4, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
PROHIBITION PARTY: The Candlelight Club's regular clandestine shindig recreates the Prohibition era in America. Tonight's event marks almost 100 years to the day since Prohibition passed into US law — expect cocktails, live music and cabaret... just don't tell anyone. Secret central London location, £25-£40, book ahead, 7pm
VIVA LA RESISTENCIA: Celebrate the launch of new book Voices of Latin America. It contains work by several authors, all covering current social movements across 14 Latin American countries, including indigenous Brazilian communities fighting the construction of hydroelectric dams. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £7.50, book ahead, 7pm
DANGEROUS LIQUIDS: Material engineer Mark Miodownik discusses the difference between liquids, and how they can cause either death, destruction, wonder or fascination. Why can one liquid make us drunk, while another can power a jumbo jet? Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
POETRY ANTHOLOGY: Muriel Sparks's work is the inspiration behind a collection of poems which launches tonight. 44 poets were each asked to write a poem about one of Spark's 22 novels, and tonight they are reading their work. No previous knowledge of Sparks is required to enjoy the work — and if you really like it, you can buy the anthology for a tenner. Poetry Cafe (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, 7pm-9pm
IDENTICAL STRANGERS: Triplets adopted separately at birth didn't event know of each other's existence until they were 19 years old. Watch a screening of Three Identical Strangers, a documentary about their reunion — and why they were separated in the first place. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm
CRICK CRACK CLUB: The storytelling experts at Crick Crack Club present an evening of Hindu mythology , with particular focus on Kali the demon-slayer, life-saver and Supreme Mother, aided by live sitar music. Kings Place (King's Cross), £14.50, book ahead, 8pm
JUDY CARMICHAEL: Settle in for an evening of live music from Grammy-nominated American pianist, vocalist and songwriter Judy Carmichael. She performs gems from the Great American Songbook, and some of her own compositions. Watermans (Brentford), £15/£14, book ahead, 8.30pm
THE RAFT: In 1973, anthropologist Santiago Genoves assembled a crew of men and women from diverse backgrounds across the world, put the women in positions of power, and sent them out on a raft. Documentary The Raft brings together survivors from the experiment to hear their perceptions of it 45 years on. Bertha DocHouse (Curzon Bloomsbury), £9/£7/£5, book ahead, 9pm
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for this comedy night taking place taking place next Friday, raising money for Walthamstow food bank Eat or Heat. Tickets cost £5, plus you'll need to take along a minimum of five items to donate to the food bank on the night. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Norway's 'favourite painting' is going on display in London.
- First year medical student delivers a baby at a tube station.
- This teenager built a model of London out of unwanted PC parts.
- Inside London's new vegan hotel suite.
