Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 12 December 2017

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Follow along as an artist facilitator guides you, or if you’re feeling adventurous free-styling is always welcome at this pop-up painting class.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL: After a sell out show last year, the London Musical Theatre Orchestra returns to give Charles Dickens’ classic the full Broadway treatment. With its multi-award winning cast and a score made up of more than 60 musical geniuses, this one is guaranteed to bring all the festive vibes. Lyceum Theatre, £25-£75, book ahead, until 18 December

CHRISTMAS LECTURES: This year's Christmas Lectures — which started back in 1825 and are now a mainstay of British television at Christmas — kick off with a talk on the unstoppable urge to communicate from professor Sophie Scott. Book tickets to watch the live feed here. Royal Institution, £7-£16, book ahead, 6pm-9pm

THINKING DRINKERS: Turning Tuesday into booze day are two professional drinks experts, who blend alcohol with history in a comedy show that'll leave you intoxicated (literally — your ticket includes five free drinks). Museum of Comedy (Holborn), £18, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm, until 23 December

CAROL CONCERT: Looking for a booze-free chilled evening of carols in a scenic English Heritage house? Head to Apsley House to be serenaded by the Royal Holloway University Chapel Choir in the stunning surroundings of the Waterloo Gallery. £25, book ahead, 6.30pm

SPACEPORT CANTINA: Enjoy a galactic-themed feast to celebrate the arrival of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Expect C3-POké bowls cooked up by chef Mao Chowbacca. Behind This Wall, £6 a bowl, book ahead, 6.30pm-11pm

You’ll laugh a lot, you’ll learn a lot and, if that’s not enough, you get five free drinks at the Museum of Comedy.

KEATS AND FESTIVITY: Find out what it was like to celebrate Christmas back in the Romantic period through talks, poetry readings and riddles. Plus festive refreshments. Keats House, free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

GENERATION RENT: Hear Green Party member Sian Berry, a former housing correspondent from the Evening Standard and a Generation Rent campaigner discuss what can be done to help young people onto the ever distant housing ladder. London Interfaith Centre, free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

FAT GAY VEGAN BOOK LAUNCH: Most authors lay on booze at their book launches but the Fat Gay Vegan is laying on a whole three-course meal for his, followed by organic hemp ice cream, if that sort of thing floats your boat. Line up to get your book signed once you've filled your face. Cafe Van Gogh (Brixton), £31.71, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

THE FEMALE GAZE: See four patriarchy-smashing performances by emerging experimental writers presented by Rich Creative. The Cockpit, £8/£9 on the door, book ahead, 7.30pm

POP UP PAINTING: Take home your own prosecco and Christmas song-fuelled version of Van Gogh's Starry Night at this boozy painting class. No experience necessary and all equipment is provided. Urban Meadow (Bayswater), £35.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

Good cause of the day: Join the Brainwave London Santa Dash

Throw on your Santa suit and zip past London's iconic buildings on this 5k circular route on your own or with up to ten mates, then head to the post-race party on SOMA's Scandinavian terrace. This festive run is in aid of Brainwave, a charity which supports families with children who have disabilities. Old Spitalfields Market, £25, book ahead, 5.30pm and 6.15pm

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