Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 16 May 2018

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Ceilidh gets a contemporary makeover with riotous results.

What we're reading:

  • Sadiq Khan launches scheme to get women into senior jobs.
  • Uber names new UK boss as it battles to keep London licence.
  • Londoners share pipe dreams for capital's transport network.
  • "Wonderfully unimpressive": hill-climbing in London.
  • How London's illegal raves never really went away.

Things to do:

PROTOTYPES OF IMAGINATION: Spray gun painter Katherina Gosse brings her gargantuan works of art to the Gagosian. See the gallery engulfed by German artist's explosive use of colour on huge expanses of flat cloth. Gagosian (King's Cross), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 27 July

LIVE BODY ART: Ordinary people metamorphise into fantastical creatures and curious characters at an afternoon of live make up and body painting demos. Stick around for the evening catwalk show and enjoy free bubbles and a two for one bar. Stour Space (Hackney Wick), free/£15 for evening show, book ahead, 12pm-5.30pm/6.30pm

DAMBUSTERS 75: Unearth the legend of the 1943 Dambusters Raid underneath a real WWII heavy bomber — the first in a series of RAF Museum events marking the 75th anniversary of Operation Chastise. Royal Air Force Museum (Colindale), free, book ahead, 2pm

LISTEN UP: From ancient bell tolls, to rattling jackhammers and the hiss of espresso machines, it's safe to say that the lunch hour rush in London can get quite noisy. However, resist the temptation to reach for your headphones — instead tune in to the din on a guided walk that'll reveal the stories behind the sounds of the City's past, present and even future. Meet in St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate Gardens (Liverpool Street), £16, book ahead, 12.45pm-2.45pm

WISDOM ON THE WHARF: To mark Mental Health Awareness Week's theme of stress, Street Wisdom want to give Canary Wharf's city workers the chance to find some much needed head-space. Learn how to calm the noise and find everyday inspiration and clarity on a three hour guided amble with best-selling author and business innovator David Pearl. Crossrail Roof Garden (Canary Wharf), free, just turn up, 2pm-5pm

Prima donnas go head-to-head at Pop-up Opera.

CEILIDH LIBERATION FRONT: This radical ceilidh band rips up the rule book to bring you a foot-stomping evening of music, dance and a sprinkling of theatricals. The Ceilidh Liberation Front — the brainchild of Mercury prize nominee Sam Lee — bring a very 21st century spin on traditional British tunes. Kindred Studios (Queens Park), £10, book ahead, 7pm

AI AND US: Despite augmented intelligence advancing to the point where robots are becoming actual citizens, we're still a long way away from AI matching human intelligence. From bias to emotional intelligence, the human experience is not easily taught. Join a panel of experts to discuss how machines, humans and processes must work together to create powerful new insights. The Royal Institution of Great Britain (Mayfair), £16, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

POP-UP OPERA: A pair of actresses vie to be the prima donna, while two lovers put their feelings to the test in a comedic double bill from Pop-Up Opera. Critically acclaimed director Anna Pool showcases Mozart's playful side at an intimate, industrial-chic venue. The Electrician's Shop (Trinity Buoy Wharf), £20, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

RICH HALL'S HOEDOWN: Comedy's most lovable grouch Rich Hall brings his cowboy hat and North Carolina drawl to Leicester Square for a take down of Trump's America that ends up as a celebration of Americana. Leicester Square Theatre, £19, book ahead, 9pm-10.45pm, until 19 May

Good cause of the day

The Amersham Picture House is having one last hurrah before it makes way for the bulldozers (boo). The good news is that it's all for charity — dress up in 1930s garb and see if you can solve the Murder on the Orient Express while raising money for Child.org and an international development charity who work to give every child an equal opportunity.

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