Things to do
DISTORTED ART: Have your perceptions challenged at this new exhibition of work by Patrick Hughes. His clever paintings use reverse perspective to make his 3D paintings appear to move with the viewer. Witchcraft, but very pretty witchcraft. Alon Zakaim Gallery (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 4 February-29 March
ANTONY & CLEOPATRA: There's another chance to watch National Theatre's current production of Antony & Cleopatra on the big screen. This cinema screening shows the action on stage, starring Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo as Shakespeare's fated power couple. Watermans (Brentford), £17/£14.50, book ahead, 11am
PAPER CUTTING: Local artist Lisa Howes leads today's mindful arts cafe, where the chosen craft is paper cutting. All materials are provided, and you're taught the techniques required, for an hour that's intended to be relaxing and therapeutic. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), £6, book ahead, 12.30pm
RUSKIN AT 200: 8 February marks 200 years since the birth of art critic John Ruskin, so it's only apt that Gresham College makes him the subject of a free lecture. Professor Malcolm Andrews discusses his achievements as an art critic. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
PLOSIVE COMEDY: Comedians Ben Target, Dan Cook, Stevie Martin and Gabby Best all appear at this stand-up comedy night, presenting material about the sorts of things nobody usually says out loud. You've been warned. The Bill Murray (Islington), £5, book ahead, 6.45pm-7.45pm
THE RESIDENTS: Mysterious American band The Residents bring their 50th anniversary tour to London for one night only. The identities of the band members aren't known (and today's musicians aren't thought to be the founding members) — and they often wear eyeball helmets and top hats to mask their faces. Union Chapel (Islington), from £28, book ahead, 7pm
HEADS AND BODIES: Relive your childhood — with added booze, if you please — at this evening of Heads & Bodies. You know the game — you draw a head, fold the paper, pass it on, the next person draws the shoulders, passes it on, and so forth until you've created a monster. The Book Club (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 7pm-8.30pm
LEÏLA SLIMANI: Author Leïla Slimani — best-known for her novel Lullaby — is talking about her new book, Adèle, in advance of its UK release. It's one of the most-hyped books of the year, so definitely one for bookworms. Southbank Centre, £15, book ahead,7.15pm
WORK IN PROGRESS: Comedians Brett Goldstein and Lou Sanders have teamed up for this comedy show in which they're both trying out new material. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm
LIVE MUSIC: Kick back and listen to music by five local acoustic artists, handpicked by musician Steve Folk. Ritzy (Brixton), free, book ahead, 8pm-11pm
Good cause of the day
If you're already making weekend plans, snap up tickets to Franck's Fight Fundraiser at House of Vans on Saturday. The all-day event of skate jams, DJs including Professor Green and Enter Shikari, live portraits, a pop-up barbershop and more raises money for a young boy with leukaemia — find out more and book your tickets.
What we're reading
- London's toxic caterpillar invasion is spiralling out of control.
- The V&A's new Dior exhibition is proving very popular.
- Two new shows at Somerset House will explore British identity.
- Watch an infinite loop of sunrise and sunset.
