Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 16 October 2019

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The Black Flamingo Cabaret at Kings Place

Things to do

21ST CENTURY FERLINGHETTI: Celebrate poet, publisher, painter and activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti —who marked his 100th birthday this year — at a new exhibition, opening today. See examples of his work which are being exhibited in the UK for the first time, and hear and watch audio and video clips from his archive. National Poetry Library (Southbank Centre), free, just turn up, 16 October-17 November

COURT OPEN DAY: The UK Supreme Court holds a special open day, inviting the public inside to look around and hear a series of special talks. Watch a judgement taking place, hear about the refurbishment of the building, and visit the usually-off-limits library. The Supreme Court (Westminster), free, just turn up (book ahead for some talks), 9.30am-3.30pm

Discover the mulberry trees of Deptford and Greenwich

MULBERRY WALK: Tour guide and mulberry expert Dr Peter Coles leads a walk through Deptford and Greenwich, hunting out the area's mulberry trees on the way. The trees have been present in Greenwich Park since at least the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, and Coles retells some of the local history along the way. Deptford Station, £10, book ahead,12.30pm-2pm

MEMORIES OF LONDON: Aimed at those living with early stage dementia and their carers, Museum of London offers a trip down memory lane. Take a wander through the galleries, and hear about shops such as Woolworths, which have disappeared from our high streets but used to be prevalent. There's also a chance to try on 1950s fashions, and sample some foods which may be familiar from yesteryear. Museum of London, free, book ahead, 2pm

CANDLELIT PHOTOGRAPHY: See and photograph the interior of Southwark Cathedral by candlelight at one of its occasional open evenings. Amateur and professional photographers are welcome, as are tripods, and it’s a chance to roam the cathedral freely and snap away at your favourite features (it’s the stained glass windows for us). Southwark Cathedral, £11.50, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

Photograph Southwark Cathedral by candlelight

WEST END WEDNESDAYS: Celebrate hump day with a blow-out at Italian-themed party venue Bunga Bunga. On West End Wednesdays, be serenaded with hits from the musicals while scoffing your face with antipasti and pizza. There's blackjack and karaoke too. Bunga Bunga Covent Garden, £30 inc four-course meal, book ahead, from 7pm

ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Watch a screening of 2016 film DugOut as part of the Adventure Film Festival. The production tells the story of two friends who go out to the Amazon, fell a massive tree, make a dugout canoe and set off downstream. Popcorn and a drink are included in the ticket price. London Film School (Covent Garden), £5, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

NERD NITE: A handful of expert speakers give fun-yet-informative talks across their disciplines, while the audience drinks along. Tonight's Nerd Nite speakers cover economics, the beauty of Victorian coal-holders, and the raising of Chicago. Backyard Comedy Club (Cambridge Heath), £7.50, book ahead,7.30pm

Watch Rocketman at Screen 25

BLACK FLAMINGO CABARET: Poet and drag queen Dean Atta hosts Black Flamingo Cabaret, an evening of gender-defying drag featuring black and queer performers. Atta takes on the role of The Black Flamingo to introduce cabaret acts including performance artist, poet and LGBTQ+ activist Travis Alabanza and Sea the Poet. Kings Place (King’s Cross), £12.50, book ahead,7.30pm

LGBTQ COMEDY: Comedy Bloomers offers a night of LBTQ comedy with 11 acts taking to the stage, MCd by Russell Arathoon. LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2019 runner up Sam Serrano, and Funny Women 'one to watch' Chelsea Birkby are among the performers. Age 18+. Seven Dials Club (Covent Garden), £3, book ahead,7.30pm-9.30pm

Comedian Ali Brice performs in Angel

ROCKETMAN: Screen 25 shows this year's musical film Rocketman, chronicling the life of singer Elton John. The local community cinema is at risk of closure if it doesn't sell enough tickets soon, so it's a great excuse to go to have a night out while offering your support. Harris Academy (South Norwood), £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.30pm

BIN WONDERING: Comedian Ali Brice brings his show Bin Wonderiing to north London. In it he covers how he's ended up in his pants in a bin, after a turbulent year. Expect charming storytelling and absurd characters.  The Bill Murray (Islington), £5, book ahead, 9.45pm-10.45pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

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

Tube map glasses case

I do like my tube map glasses case, even if it does make a bit of a spectacle of itself when it comes to an accurate representation of the Overground. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Just a couple more days to sign up for the Lost Hours Walk on 26 October. Timed to coincide with the clocks going back, the night time walk aims to smash the silence around issues of grief, and raises money for mental health charity CALM. Find out more and sign up.

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