What we're reading
- What it's like to be an attendant at a London gallery.
- The volunteers making cider to save London's orchards.
- A London letting agency has reportedly been charging a non-refundable £300 deposit just to view available properties.
- London to lose big money to Frankfurt as banks prepare for Brexit.
- How Brexit is forcing Brick Lane curry houses to close.
Things to do
WINTER WARMERS: Today's the first day in a week of festive events raising money for Union Chapel. Christmas films and mince pies feature heavily in the programme — think screenings of Home Alone and The Snowman, a Christmas market and a cockney singalong. Full programme here. Union Chapel (Islington), various prices, book ahead, 3-9 December
NEURAL ENHANCEMENT: An immersive theatre brain surgery session courtesy of someone called Dr Leon just off the Old Kent Road. Anyone else getting Dr Nick from The Simpsons vibe? We're promised that this isn't actual surgery. Secret location (Old Kent Road area), £35, book ahead, various dates throughout December
STORY CIRCLE: Got the gift of the gab? Sign yourself up for a slot at this story circle, and spin your audience a yarn on the theme of ice. If the thought of getting up there leaves you feeling cold, simply enjoy other people's stories, and learn a bit about the craft of storytelling. Library (Covent Garden), £6, book ahead, 6pm-9pm
SUPREME COURT: It's your last chance (for the time being, at least) to go behind the scenes at the Supreme Court. Ending up in the dock may not have been part of your 2018 plans, but a rare chance to tour the courtrooms and the triple-deck Justices' Library sounds too good to miss, no? Supreme Court (Westminster), £15, book ahead, 6.15pm-7.15pm
BAD LANGUAGE: Why are some words considered taboo, while others are perfectly fine to use? Should swearing even bother us? Have your swear jar at the ready for this debate on the subject of bad language. LSE (Aldwych), free entry, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson is the guest of honour at Coram's Christmas Celebration. Children from the Trevor-Roberts School Choir sing festive songs, interspersed with readings from special guests. Money raised goes to Coram's children's charity. St Andrew Holborn, £17.50/£8, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
NEON LIFE DRAWING: UV lighting doesn't normally feature in a life drawing class, but this time, the models are covered in neon and UV paint. Begin the class with some warm-up drawing exercises, before attempting more complicated sketches. Materials provided but you're welcome to bring your own. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
CHRISTMAS GOTHIC: Christmas takes a dark twist in this gothic production, in which a spectral woman tells haunting tales about the festive season. Well, it makes a change from twinkly lights and upbeat carol services. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), £16/£14, book ahead, 7.45pm
LIVE MUSIC: Folk music is on the menu tonight, courtesy of Belshazzar's Feast. The eccentric duo perform an eclectic mix of folk, classical, jazz and pop music, with seasonal twists thrown in. Sounds like a lively one. King's Place (King's Cross), £15.50, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
John Kearns, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Mae Martin, and Nish Kumar are all on the bill at tonight's Gala for World AIDS Day, which brings a wealth of comedy talent to the Pleasance Theatre, raising money for the National AIDS Trust.
