Things to do
TOM BASDEN: Comedian Tom Basden has a week-long run of his new show Sorry Thank You Please at Soho Theatre. He takes a wry look at the state of the world in which he is raising a child, and tries to convince himself (and the audience) that he's a good parent. Soho Theatre, £12-£21, book ahead, 13-18 January
NEW YEAR, NEW FAVOURITES: The Other Palace launches a series of intimate concerts shining a light on up-and-coming performers and writers. Tonight, Natalie Paris performs acoustic versions and new arrangements of West End classics. The Other Palace (Victoria), £15, book ahead, 13-25 January
CHRISTIE'S LATES: Auction house Christie's keeps its doors open late, and invites the public inside for a look around. Browse an exhibition of work from the upcoming Modern British Art sale. Take part in talks, demonstrations and classes, including still-life lessons, and a tasting of low ABV drinks brand London Essence. There's also a charity auction, raising money for refugees. Christie's (Mayfair), free, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm
FICTION LAB: Love science fiction? Join Fiction Lab, a monthly meet up for anyone interested in fiction with a science theme. This month's book is Trinity by Louisa Hall, about the life of J Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who defended the use of the atomic bomb he helped create, before ultimately lobbying against nuclear proliferation. Royal Institution (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 7pm
UKULELE JAM: Looking for a new hobby in 2020? How about playing the ukulele? Every Monday, Queen of Hoxton hosts a free ukulele jam, with musicians of all abilities welcome, including complete newbies. Take your own instrument along, or borrow one for the night at the venue, and strum along to well-known tunes. Queen of Hoxton, free, just turn up, 7pm-11pm
SUPERBUGS: Antitbiotic resistance is becoming an international health crisis, expected to cause 10 million deaths a years by 2050 — so why isn't it higher up the news agenda? Journalist David Aaronovitch, whose life was saved by antibiotics, hosts a panel of scientists and experts, looking at how we can change people's perceptions of antibiotics to tackle the problem. Frontline Club (Paddington), £12.50/£10, book ahead, 7pm
THE PLASTIC PROBLEM: While plastic pollution is a major issue, it's not the only problem facing the world today. Hear from environmental expert Professor Chris Rhodes about how we can solve the plastic problem alongside other environmental concerns. He talks about how we can change our lifestyles and goals to protect the planet. Conway Hall (Holborn), £8/£5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
BLUE JASMINE: Watch a screening of 2013's dark comedy drama, Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett stars as a wealthy New York socialite who has to move into her sister's apartment in San Francisco when she falls on hard times. Dulwich Picture Gallery, £10/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm
FUNNY SH*T: London Short Film Festival continues with several events today, including our pick, Funny Shit. The programme of 10 short films from several countries has a comedic bent, but dark undertones too. It's not for the faint hearted, with references to sex, violence and a mass shooting. Regent Street Cinema, £13, book ahead, 8.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
My Roundel of the Week is an example of a directional roundel. Most roundels show station names, but a handful offer advice on which way to go. This one's from St Paul's, but many other examples can be found across the network.
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube. 596 other people can't be wrong.
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for Singing Our Lives, a charity night of music at Union Chapel on 26 January. Hundreds of singers join together on stage to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, with money raised going towards the Singing Our Lives project and Sing for Freedom Choir. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Harry and Meghan's waxworks removed from the royal group at Madame Tussauds, the day after their big announcement.
- London restaurants which are raising money for Australian wildfire relief.
- The Castle Climbing Centre in Green Lanes will extend into the building next door.
- Big Ben may not bong for Brexit.
