What we're reading:
- Think 2018's been too hot? It's got nothing on the 1858 heatwave that turned London into a sewer.
- Little Pyongyang: a North Korean's life in London.
- Blue plaque erected for bookseller's dog on West Hampstead railway bridge.
- Descendant of man behind Bermondsey 'joy slide' is bringing it back almost a century later.
- Snake filmed eating a pigeon in Leytonstone.
Things to do:
THIS IS ME: Young people raised within the foster system share self-directed photographic portraits taken at the end of their time in care in this exhibition from the Drive Forward Foundation. Discover their stories, which explore the relationship between place and identity as part of Rich Mix's Takeover festival. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, just turn up, 9am-11pm, until 30 August
ANGLO-SAXON ARTS: It's all about that early Britain aesthetic this week at the Museum of Richmond. Bring the kids to their summer workshop for a lesson in Anglo Saxon weaving and braiding, where they make their own replicas from the museum's handling collection to take home with them. Museum of Richmond (Richmond), £5.50, book ahead, 10am-12pm, until 10 August
RESTORED ALMHOUSE TOUR: Travel back to the 18th century with a visit to a beautifully restored almhouse that once provided shelter to the elderly and poor. If you can't find tickets, the Geffrye Museum have a half dozen available on the door — just make sure you get there early. Geffrye Museum (Hoxton), £5, book ahead, 2pm-2.30pm
LIFE AT THE FOUNDLING: In 1739, philanthropist Thomas Coram established the UK's first children's charity — the Foundling Hospital, a home for children at risk of abandonment. Discover what life was like there during the 18th and 19th centuries at this free talk. London Metropolitan Archives (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
TEMPORARY TATTOO PARLOUR: Get inked without the lifelong commitment at this pop up transfer tattoo parlour. Make your mum cry over your custom neck piece, or give your squeeze a scare by quite literally wearing your heart on your sleeve — all in good fun, of course. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free when you buy a drink, just turn up, 6pm
UPSLIDE DOWN: Do you have it in you to race up the UK's tallest sculpture? Make it to the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit and you'll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the city, a drink, and the world's longest tunnel slide to take you back down to Earth. ArceMittal Orbit (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park), £35, book ahead, 6.15pm/7.15pm/8.15pm
BOUNCY'S BOUDOIR: Thanks to its rather camp title, it comes as no surprise that Bouncy's Boudoir is a seriously saucy cabaret show. 'Sisters' Bouncy Hunter and Kimber Keys are masters at making West End audiences giggle (and maybe a bit hot under the collar), but this is their first East End offering. Genesis Cinema (Stepney Green), free, book ahead, 7pm
INTRO TO SIGHT SINGING: If you've considered joining a choir but feeling intimidated by the prospect of reading sheet music, this workshop will sort you out. Choral conductor and singer Hannah Brine is hosting an introduction to site singing and musical theory, ideal for beginners. Royal Inn on the Park (Hackney), £12, book ahead, 7pm
PUNCH UP: With 15 years of stand-up under his belt, Matt Green is something of a comedy veteran. Let him chew your ear off about the state of the world, with stories about FitBits, being punched in the face, and going viral with JK Rowling. Camden Comedy Club (Camden), £8, book ahead, 8pm-9pm, until 11 August
DOUBLE JEOPARDY: If you're a night owl with a love of theatre, get yourself down to Double Jeopardy, a late evening double bill of two new comedies. In Collateral, a man meets his mistress to end their affair, but she's having none of it, while Fake Nukes follows a certain president of the USA on his crusade against North Korea. Sounds like a right barrel of laughs. The Lion and Unicorn Theatre (Kentish Town), £6, book ahead, 10pm
Good cause of the day
Experience the best in London culture after dark at Culture Crawl London 2018. Not only will you get exclusive nighttime access to institutions including the Tate Modern, the Design Museum, and the Garden Museum, you'll also be helping to provide support for Londoners living with cancer — by fundraising for Maggie's Centres. Sign up today and get fundraising before the big night on 28 September.
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