Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 13 August 2019

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Enjoy a free concert in Canary Wharf

Things to do

MISSION INVERTEBRATE: Take you children to the Mission: Invertebrate Roadshow where they can learn about all types of creepy crawlies. Bees, beetles, snails and spiders all feature, with facts told through interactive storytelling, craft activities, and bug hunts. Bushy Park, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm

SECRETS AND SPIES: Footprints of London guide David Charnick lead a tour themed on London's spy history, including MI5 and MI6. Learn about the creation of the Secret Service Bureau in 1909, and the role of the Special Operations Executive and Special Branch. Winston Churchill and the Cambridge Five also feature. New Scotland Yard, £12/£9, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.30pm

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY: 2017 drama/romance film God's Own Country is tonight's offering at Film4 Summer Screen. It's the story of local lad Johnny and Romanian migrant Gheorghe, who form a close bond as they tend to the land and look after the sheep. Actor Josh O'Connor, who plays Johnny, introduces the film. Somerset House, £20.75, book ahead, 7pm

MOVIE MUSIC:  Sing along to the songs from the movies at this free concert in Canary Wharf. Iconic film tunes are performed on stage by a large band and a selection of singers. Hear tunes from the likes of Footloose and The Bodyguard, complete with Dirty Dancing finale. Canada Square Park (Canary Wharf), free, just turn up, 7pm

Josh O'Connor introduces God's Own Country at Somerset House

DECONSTRUCTING MODERN SEX: Three sex educators talk about current sexual habits and practices, and share their best tips to help you live your best sex life. Includes Q&A session at the end. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £11.01, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

AUTHORS ON STAGE: Adam Kay and Caitlin Moran appear together as National Theatre's Authors on Stage series continues. Kay is the former doctor who wrote bestseller This Is Going To Hurt. They discuss the topic of the NHS, and the precarious position it is currently in. National Theatre, £25-£45, book ahead, 7.30pm

PETERLOO MASSACRE: National Archives marks the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre with a look at the impact it had on the parliamentary reform movement. Jacqueline Riding (historian for Mike Leigh’s film Peterloo) and George Hay (records specialist at The National Archives) look at how the peaceful protest-turned-massacre shaped how we think today. National Archives (Kew), £12-£15, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

Caitlin Moran and Adam Kay take part in Authors on Stage

LIARS' LEAGUE: Spoken word night Liars' League is back with its annual women and girls special. All of tonight's speakers and protagonists are female. The work of six authors from the US, Ireland, Australia and the UK is showcased. The Phoenix (Cavendish Square), £5, just turn up, 7.30pm

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?: So asks comedian Anne Edmonds, who brings her show of that name to Soho. It's a question aimed at humanity as a whole, explored through Edmonds' razor-sharp wit. Soho Theatre, from £11.50, book ahead, 7.30pm (until 17 August)

STARRY NIGHT: Release your inner artist and have a go at recreating Van Gogh's Starry Night over a drink or two. No experience is required for the Pop-Up Painting event, and all art supplies are provided, along with guidance from a qualified tutor. The Tokenhouse (Moorgate), £27.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Have you noticed these new digital advertisement boards at London Bridge? Screen advertising is nothing new on the underground, but these blighters are unusual in that they follow the angle of the escalator. They've left the Londonist team and several readers feeling a little giddy. What do you think? Talk to Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.  

Good cause of the day

Book ahead for Saturday's Funwalk and Funday in Hyde Park, raising money for Liberty, a charity providing healthcare, education and other forms of support in West Africa. Take part in the 5k sponsored walk, then enjoy games, a football tournament, live music, a raffle and more. Find out more and book tickets.

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