Things To Do Today In London: Friday 27 April 2018

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Learn about the lively history of gin while imbibing the stuff at a candlelit museum late.

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PAST EXPECTATIONS: Take an investigative journey of memory, identity and loss informed by the Dickens classic Great Expectations. Utilising nature's paintbox, Louise Weir's latest exhibition has created a space where the novel and the artist's personal memories overlap, meet and converse. Charles Dickens Museum (Holborn), free, just turn up, until 29 April

HEART OF HACKNEY: Step back in time at the London Metropolitan Archives, and trace the history of Hackney. Through documents, prints and photographs, you'll be transported from urban inner city, to a medieval manor to urban city. London Metropolitan Archives (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 10.30am-12pm

MEET YOUR MAKER: The country's best contemporary designers in the country are showing off their stuff inside Canary Wharf's majestic glass arch. MADE London is a friendly and relaxed contemporary craft and design fair where the makers themselves meet the public to discuss their inspirations, design processes and future projects. East Winter Garden (Canary Wharf), free entry, just turn up, 11am-7pm until 29 April

GIN LATE: Be-gin your weekend in style, with a candlelit museum late that celebrates London’s legendary relationship with gin, from Hogarthian excess to high society aperitifs. Your ticket includes two gin cocktails, natch. Sir John Soane's Museum (Lincoln's Inn Fields), £35, book ahead, 5.45pm-9.15pm

COCKPITS AND CABS: Live out your childhood fantasies and pretend to be a pilot at the RAF Museum. You'll have the rare chance to get a closer look at their 100 cockpits and vehicles, and maybe even get behind the dashboard. Royal Air Force Museum (Colindale), £13.50, book ahead, 6pm-9pm

Welcome a bit of Parisian chic into your life.

FRENCH WORKWEAR: Channel Coco Chanel at The French Workwear Company's pop up sale. Their European blue garments are all original vintage pieces made in France by heritage brands such as Adolphe Lafont. If that's not enough to tempt you, there's also free wine. POST (Newington Green) free entry, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm

SEANCE, RITUAL AND ECTOPLASM: Since her fascination with spiritualism was ignited, photographer Sharon Taggart has been on a mission to capture ectoplasm on film. Tonight, in the heart of a famous Victorian cemetery, she will reveal the story of her travels, alongside her original photos and historical imagery that attempts to capture spirits on film. Brompton Cemetery (book ahead), £12, book ahead, 7pm

NOT SO SECRET CABARET: The Not So Secret Society have promised that tonight will be their sexiest comedy and cabaret line up yet. It's a bit of a family affair, with identical stunners The Prendergast Twins bringing double the laughs in their cabaret debut, while spellbinding siblings Kane and Abel amaze you with their magician's code-breaking tricks. Artwork (Elephant & Castle), free, just turn up, 8pm

JAZZ JAMBOREE: Jive through 100 years of jazz at London's most famous art deco venue. Steam punk bartenders will pour you jazz-age drinks as you Lindy Hop your way into the early hours, taking in circus acts and cabaret along the way. Troxy (Whitechapel), £22, book ahead, 8pm

ROCKAOKE: Hope you've been tuning your air guitar. This pub's Rockaoke night lets you live out your rock star fantasies for free, with the help of a live backing band.  The Star of Kings (King's Cross), free, just turn up, 8pm

Good cause of the day

Benefit cosmetics are thinking pink at their latest pop up. Absolutely everything on offer comes in a rosy hue, with featured brands including Vivienne Westwood, Missguided and Agent Provocateur. What's more, an incredible 100% of all sales made will go to domestic violence charity Refuge and women's non-profit Look Good Feel Better. Head down to Covent Garden to support these two causes, snap their Insta-worthy interiors, or get your brows done (there's a free fun-sized Benefit mascara in it for you). Follow this link for more info, or to donate directly to the two charities.