Things to do
OPERA UP CLOSE: The true story of the stormy relationship between cousins Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I is told through opera. Production company OperaUpClose performs a new English version of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, as part of a national tour. The Old Church (Stoke Newington), £10-£35, book ahead, 1-13 April
FREE SOLO: Rock climbing has rocketed in popularity in London, there are plenty of centres across the city where you can get your climb on. Each is populated with tricky routes that test your mind and body. However none of them can possibly compare to climbing El Capitan in Yosemite alone and without a rope, like Alex Honnold attempts in the Oscar winning documentary Free Solo. Prince Charles Cinema (Leicester Square), £9/£5, book ahead, 1.15pm
HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR: Take part in a mass choir session with House Gospel Choir, a friendly, informal bunch of singers. Tonight's rehearsal is open to anyone who wants to take part, no previous experience necessary. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm
DEMENTIA CARERS: The How To Academy runs a session on helping dementia sufferers. Award-winning writer and campaigner Nicci Gerrard, whose own father died from the disease, offers suggestions for ways to talk about and understand dementia, as well as tips for anyone caring for dementia sufferers. Emmanuel Centre (Westminster), £10-£70, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
POP CHOIR: If singing with a choir yourself (above) is a bit of a stretch, why not spend the evening watching a choir do all the work? The LSO Discovery Choir perform a lively concert of pop and rock smash hits. LSO St Luke's (Old Street), £7, book ahead, 7pm
BIEBER DANCE: It's not too late to say sorry... or to sign up for this dance class teaching all the moves to Justin Bieber's smash hit. Gym clothes and trainers are recommended, just be prepared to have the tune stuck in your head all week. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £15, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
MEDIEVAL CATS: As far as back as Medieval times, cats were finding their way into literature and manuscripts. Kathleen Walker-Meikle, author of Cats in Medieval Manuscripts, discusses their various representations, from treasured pets to fearsome mousers, and even associates of the devil. British Library, £12/£8, book ahead, 7.15pm-8.30pm
EXILED WRITERS: Monthly literature event Exiled Writers is a chance for writers and musicians who have been exiled from their own countries to showcase their work. Congolese-British writer Christina Fonthes, debut self-published novelist Amos Ruiz, and Somalian activist Fatima Hagi are on tonight's line-up. The Poetry Cafe (Covent Garden), £5/£3, just turn up, 7.30pm-10pm
FOOLS OF APRIL: It wouldn't be April Fool's Day without a laugh or two, and thankfully the Fools of April — aka comedians Stuart Laws, Sarah Kendall, Bobby Mair, Saskia Preston and Brett Goldstein — are on hand to try out brand new material. The Bunker Theatre (Southwark), £6/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
I’m on holiday this week and can’t answer your transport geekery needs right now. Please leave a message after the beep or, preferably, take a look at the Roundel Ramblings Facebook group for more transport chat than the average person can handle. See you next week.
Follow Barry Heck on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
If you've got a couple of quid to spare, consider giving it to EAVE, who are taking on the Tube Challenge in aid of World Hearing Day, raising money for five hearing loss charities. The Tube Challenge involves visiting every London Underground station in the shortest time possible. Find out more and make a donation.
What we're reading
- Things still aren't looking good for Crossrail opening.
- There are plans for a New York-style highline in Hammesmith.
- A study has found toxic chemicals near to the Grenfell Tower fire site.
- This Peckham artist is making a huge papier mache sculpture.