What we're reading
- The two men replicating south London in gingerbread every Christmas.
- Sadly, the Big Green Bookshop is leaving Wood Green.
- Ever noticed the special tiles at Bethnal Green station?
- Archive photos of New Year's Eve celebrations in London throughout the years.
- Big Ben's clock face will look a bit different after its renovation.
Things to do
LAST CHANCE: Just a couple more days to see our favourite London exhibition of 2018, Space Shifters. It uses mirrors, mazes and a vat of oil to alter perceptions and offer reflections — here's our full review. Be warned though — even once you're inside, you could be queuing for up to an hour to see some of the works. Hayward Gallery (Southbank Centre), £16.50, book ahead, until 6 January
BURGER OR MAN: Naked With Burger Or Man is a new dark comedy theatre show revolving around Chloe, who always wakes up naked with either a burger or a man in her bed. White Bear Theatre (Kennington), £16/£12, book ahead, 7pm, 3-5 January
BABY FILM SCREENING: Parents and carers with young infants are invited to this baby-friendly screening of 2018 Spike Lee film BlacKkKlansman. Set in the 1970s, it's the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department, who decides to infiltrate and expose the extremist Ku Klux Klan. Harris Academy South Norwood. £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 11am-1.45pm
DOWN THE CITY ROAD: The world's oldest eye hospital, a building that once made gin, and the Eagle pub made famous by a nursery rhyme all feature on this guided walk, covering the history and stories of City Road, which connects Angel with Old Street. Angel station, £12/£9, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
BATTLE FOR BETHNAL GREEN: Find out how Bethnal Green went from semi-rural hamlet to one of the most deprived areas in 19th century London on this guided walk, which covers housing, health and increased urbanisation. St Leonard's Church (Shoreditch), £12/£9, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
WRONG JOVI: Bon Jovi tribute act Wrong Jovi performs some of the rock band's best-known hits and lesser-known tracks, as well as recreating some of their live performances, offering something for die-hard Bon Jovi fans and more casual followers. The Half Moon (Putney), £8/£10, book ahead, 8pm
AWAY IN A STRANGER: Australian comedian Sam Simmons' latest show, Away In A Stranger, lacks his trademark silliness, but is still full of eccentricity and charm. Here's our full review. Soho Theatre, from £11, book ahead, 9.15pm, until 5 January
Good cause of the day
There's still time to sign up for the Crisis Icebreaker at Tooting Bec Lido on 26 January. Take the plunge in the icy waters — either solo or as part of a team — and raise money for the homelessness charity. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged. More information and booking on the Crisis website.
