Things to do
BRIGHT SOULS: Bright Souls: The Forgotten Story of Britain’s First Female Artists is an exhibition presenting the lost art and forgotten story of Britain’s pioneering female painters. Find out how 17th century artists Joan Carlile, Mary Beale and Anne Killigrew managed to achieve success in an age when women had few career options, and even fewer rights. Lyon & Turnbull (Marble Arch), free, just turn up, 24 June-6 July
FLOWER FESTIVAL: Strawberry Hill House is looking even more lovely than usual as the Flower Festival continues. Florists and growers have created installations using British flowers, to reflect Horace Walpole's own ideas about design. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £12.50, book ahead, 23-26 June
LAST CHANCE: This is the final week of It's (Not) Only Rock 'n' Roll, a free exhibition of shots by Mark Allan. The music photographer spent 30 years snapping the likes of Bowie, Britney Spears, Tina Turner and Gorillaz. Barbican Library, free, just turn up, until 29 June
STEP INTO DANCE: The Royal Academy of Dance’s Step Live Festival is a day of performances and workshops by students from schools in London and Essex, as well as other young choreographers. Pop in throughout the day to catch some of their performances. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 11am/1pm/3.15pm
STREET ART LAW: Andrea Baldini — author of A Philosophy Guide to Street Art and the Law — talks about the relationship between urban graffiti and the law. It's a crucial relationship, as urban street artists depends on their ability to subvert the normal uses of public spaces. City, University of London (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
WHAT WOMEN WANT: Things could get saucy at this panel event about what women really want in bed. The intention is to explore taboos, and author Amanda Lees hosts sexual development expert Madison James and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts for a discussion. Union Club (Soho), £12, book ahead, 7pm
WRITERS' SALON: Learn from top writers, make progress on your work, and connect with novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, playwrights and poets at this monthly writers' salon event. Tonight the focus is on breaking into film & TV writing with screenwriter Selina Lim. Foley Street (Fitzrovia), £25, book ahead, 7.15pm-9.45pm (sponsor)
COMEDY PREVIEW: Comedians Josh Widdicombe and Ivo Graham both offer previews of their new shows in a night of entertainment on board Cutty Sark. Widdicombe is preparing for his new tour, while Graham hones his show before hitting the road to Edinburgh. Cutty Sark (Greenwich), £17.50, book ahead, 7.45pm
KISS MY SCRATCH: See fresh new material from experimental and alternative performances at work-in-progress show Kiss My Scratch. Lucy McCormick performs her trademark concoction of dance, song, absurdist art and minor breakdowns, Bad Aunts host a sitcom chat show, and cabaret and drag artiste Jack Sears thanks the women that have empowered him. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £10/£8, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for Common and Kind at Union Chapel on Thursday. The concert is a culmination of workshops with schools in Brent, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey, working alongside the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants and Rainbows Across Borders (LGBT asylum seekers), plus the London Humanist Choir and London International Gospel Choir, who together form a 400 person choir. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- London's railway arch businesses are uniting against rent rises. Here's how you can help.
- Meet Ray Newton, who's dedicated himself to learning about Shadwell's history.
- This funky tennis ball fountain has an important message behind it.
- Seen those weird dream adverts on the tube? Here's what they might be about.
