Things to do
IN THE DARK: This new exhibition showcases new artwork from members of The London Group, and every piece on display generates its own light so you can wander round in the dark. Expect projections on the ceiling and video mash-ups. The Cello Factory (Waterloo), free, just turn up, 17-19 January
THE FAVOURITE: Costumes from new film The Favourite — starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz — go on display at Hampton Court Palace, where some of the film's scenes were filmed back in 2017. The Favourite tells the story of Queen Anne and her relationships with two of her closest female attendants. Hampton Court Palace, included in admission, booking recommended, 17 January-end of February
STRING QUARTET: The Castalian String Quartet performs a free lunchtime concert, open to everyone, at LSE — beats spending another lunchtime scrolling through Instagram, does it not? LSE (Holborn), free, just turn up, 1.05pm-2pm
STANFORDS HISTORY: As travel bookshop Stanfords settles into its new home, join an expert on a walking tour through central London, based on a map of the capital from 1912. See some fine examples of Victorian architecture, and hear tales of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Stanfords (7 Mercer Walk), £6, book ahead, 11am-12.30pm
LOST CONNECTIONS: Hear journalist Johann Hari discuss his new book, Lost Connections, which covers research from around the world suggesting that depression and anxiety are largely caused by lifestyles in many modern societies. Hatchards (Piccadilly), £7-£10, book ahead, 6.30pm
RATKO MLADIĆ: Archive footage, stories from witnesses and testimony from his own son combine in this documentary about Ratko Mladić, a former Bosnian-Serb military commander who oversaw horrific acts of ethnic cleansing in the 1990s. During his trial, a mass execution and burial site was discovered, which threw the whole trial into disarray. The screening is followed by a Q&A with the director. Bertha DocHouse (Curzon Bloomsbury), £12.50/£10, book ahead, 6.30pm
SPACE TECHNOLOGY: Hear Dr Subhanjoy Mohanty talk about the latest scientific results from the Kepler Space Telescope, including what it has shown us about our own solar system, strange new kinds of planets, and if there could be life on other planets. Imperial College (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
GOODNESS PARADOX: Hear Professor of Biological Anthropology Richard Wrangham argue that the invention of capital punishment was responsible for the domestication our species, a theory supported by geneticists, neuroscientists, primatologists, and archaeologists. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
NHS POETRY: Attend the launch of a new poetry anthology, which consists entirely of poems about the NHS. New and established poets have contributed to the collection, which raises money for NHS Charities Together. Poetry Cafe (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, 7pm-10.30pm
JAZZ HERSTORY: Trumpet player Alexandra Ridout has received much recognition for her music, including BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 and Jazz Award ‘Rising Star’ 2017 runner up. Tonight, see her in action playing her own jazz compositions. Poplar Union, £9/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.30pm
Good cause of the day
Tonight, join actress Claire Skinner for an event by national charity, The Reader, which encourages people to join the 'reading revolution', a campaign to improve people's lives through reading. Find out more and book.
What we're reading
- 2019 diaries are being sold with tube maps that incorrectly include Crossrail.
- ...but Crossrail is getting closer, as test trains are now in operation.
- That Banksy painting that shredded itself in London last year is going on show in Germany.
- Monty's Deli — home of that Reuben sandwich — could soon be opening in the West End.
