Things to do
TUBE: Small scale theatre production Tube returns to London, telling the story of two strangers who are sitting next to each other in a tube carriage when the lights go out and the train stops moving. Lion & Unicorn Theatre (Kentish Town), from £8, book ahead, 28 January-2 February
VAULT FESTIVAL: Performing arts showcase Vault Festival returns to the space underneath and around Waterloo station, for two months of shows. Opening night shows include India-set theatre Santi & Naz, award-winning comedian Simon Caine, and a walking tour. Waterloo Vaults, various prices, book ahead, 28 January-22 March
BEHIND FLEET STREET: Take a tour of the St Bride Foundation, a building tucked away behind Fleet Street which houses the history of print in London. Visit the printing workshop, historic rooms and the library, and learn about the history of printing in the area. St Bride Foundation (Fleet Street), £10, book ahead, 11am-1pm
GLASSHOUSE TOUR: Jess Snowball, Glasshouse Manager at Chelsea Physic Garden, leads a tour through the exotic buildings. Get a closer look at some of the exotic plant species grown there, and how they're cared for. The event contributes to the fundraising appeal to get the Victorian glasshouses restored to their former glory. Chelsea Physic Garden, £35, book ahead, 11.30am-1pm
PROHIBITION: Professor of American History, Gary Gerstle, gives a free lecture about Prohibition in America. Find out how the banning of alcohol created a culture war, splitting the country several ways: between the native-born (white Protestants) and foreign-born (Catholics and Jews), between religion and science, and between the country and the city. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
WHEN TOMATOES MET WAGNER: Watch 2019 documentary When Tomatoes Met Wagner. It's about two Greek cousins who have to put their farmland to creative use when economic hardship hits. Tonight's screening is followed by a Q&A with Alexandros Gousiaris, one of the farmers who feature in the film. Bertha DocHouse (Bloomsbury), book ahead, 6.30pm
KUBRICK'S WORLD: Learn about the element of surprise in Stanley Kubrick's films, in a lecture and exhibition of objects from Dr Strangelove to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Eyes Wide Shut London. Expert Carl Grinter talks about the film design, production and reception of Kubrick’s work. College of Communication (Elephant & Castle), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
WINTER SKINCARE: Learn how to make your own winter skincare products at this class, led by expert formulator Tanya Moulding. Learn about natural ingredients, and create your own natural mask and facial oil to take home and keep you looking radiant through the chilly months. The Garden Museum (Lambeth), £30/£26, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SURREALISM: Tying in with the current Tim Walker: Wonderful Things exhibition, designer Shona Heath talks about the enduring appeal of surrealism. Find out how the movement began, and what influence it has had on contemporary artists. V&A Curator of Photographs Susanna Brown, Sotheby’s Senior Director of Impressionist & Modern Art Tania Remoundos, and Sotheby's Head of Photographs Brandei Estes also take part. V&A Museum (South Kensington), £18/£15, book ahead, 7pm-8.45pm
POPBITCH: Regular as clockwork, the Popbitch Popquiz is back to test you on your celebrity gossip and general knowledge. Run by the team behind the weekly pop culture newsletter, the quiz consists of trivia, music rounds, art challenges and puzzles. Smiths of Smithfield, £5.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Today marks both the birth of Henry VII (1457) and the death of Henry VIII (1547), exactly 90 years apart. To mark this double anniversary, may I present the Tudor tube map, which connects all the significant Tudor sites around London. Full version here, with descriptions of each building.
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Book ahead to hear explorer and writer Levison Wood talk about his recent experience trekking across Botswana with a herd of migrating elephants. The event takes place on 6 February and raises money for elephant conservation charity TUSK. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- London-based Michelin star chef Claude Bosi denied permanent UK residency by Home Office.
- Epping Ongar Railway reports record visitor numbers.
- City of London updates plans to move its markets to Dagenham.
- Part of the tube is getting its trains lopped in half.
