Things To Do Today In London: Monday 15 July 2019

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Learn about cultural aspects of the night sky

Things to do

LONDON MEZCAL WEEK: Celebrate the agave spirit at London Mezcal Week, a series of Mexican themed events. Take part in boozy seminars, workshops, supper clubs and tastings, designed to show off the complexity and history of the drink. TT Liquor (Shoreditch), various prices, book ahead, 15-21 July

TOUR DE FRANCE: As the action in the Tour de France heats up, keep up to date with the world-famous cycling race with free coverage on a large outdoor screen. It's being shown every day from now until the end, among films and other entertainment. International Quarter (Stratford), free, just turn up, 15-28 July

POST OFFICE PENSIONS: Find out about the pensions provisions made for the first postal workers, the letter-carriers, clerks and telegraphists in the Victorian Postal System. Dr Kathleen McIlvenna from the University of Derby discusses the impact their pensions had on their lives, and those of their families. London Metropolitan Archives (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

THEATRE TALK: Hear from theatre writer Ben Weatherill, director Tim Hoare and actor Sarah Gordy about the National Theatre's latest production, Jellyfish. They talk about the challenges of putting on the play, about a young woman with Down's syndrome whose mother struggles to come to terms with her growing up and getting into a relationship. National Theatre, £7/£5, book ahead, 4.30pm

THE NIGHT SKY: Richard Hechter of the University of Manitoba explains his research into how astronomy can connect people across different cultures, religions and ethnic groups, in an effort to help create a better world. Institute of Physics (Caledonian Road), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm

LONDON UNPLUGGED: Designed as an anthology about modern Londoners, London Unplugged is a series of 10 short films from diverse, mainly female, film makers. Themes of isolation, asylum, unmanageable rents and identity are covered — and look out for plenty of familiar locations. Genesis Cinema (Mile End), free, book ahead, 6.30pm

MICHAEL ROSEN: Former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen makes an appearance to publicise his new memoir book, So They Call You Pisher! It focuses on the first 23 years of his life, in a north London suburb with communist parents. Daunt Books (Hampstead), £5, book ahead, 6.30pm

WHY DIETS DON'T WORK: Nutritionist and food blogger Pixie Turner talks about why so many diets fail, and why there is so much problematic and untrue information about food and nutrition out there. Expect some mythbusting, diet rants, and lots of evidence-based science. Conway Hall (Holborn), £8/£4, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

ICE CREAM MAKING: 'Tis the season for ice cream (or it would be, if the sun deigned to shine). Learn how to make your own ice cream — seven varieties of the stuff — at this cookery class. Making toppings and sauces is also covered, and all ingredients are provided — as is a recipe book to take home. Avenue Cookery School (Wandsworth), £70, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm (sponsor)

SPARK STORYTELLING: Quitting is the theme of this month's Spark Storytelling. Get up on stage and tell a true story about a time when you quit — or didn't quit — to a live audience. Don't fancy getting up on stage? Quit while you're ahead, and get comfy to listen to other people's tales. Ritzy (Brixton), £5, book ahead, 8pm

AHIR SHAH: Comedian Ahir Shah brings his intelligent, philosophical brand of humour to south London in the form of his current show Duffer. See it before he takes it back to Edinburgh — where it began last year. Battersea Arts Centre, £10/£8, 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 this handsome devil at Rayner's Lane. Roundels on both platforms are beautified by well-tended gardens — a joy in spring and summer. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Sign up now to take part in Urban Rush, a 15 mile run across London, raising money for homelessness charity Shelter. It takes place in October, so plenty of time to train. Find out more and sign up.