Things to do
REFUGEE LOVE STORY: Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story begins its run at Wilton's today. The darkly funny musical folk tale erupts from a shipping container, and uses klezmer music to tell the story of Chaim and Chaya as they flee Romania and arrive in Canada in 1908. Wilton's (Limehouse), £10-£27.50, book ahead, 18-28 September
CURATOR TOUR: Join a museum curator for a close look at The Art of Persuasion, an exhibition dedicated to wartime posters by graphic artist Abram Games. Learn about the techniques Games used to communicate his messages effectively, including stark imagery and visual puns. National Army Museum (Chelsea), £10.50, book ahead, 11am
MEMORIES OF LONDON: Early-stage dementia patients and their carers are invited to a free afternoon at Museum of London, focusing on memories of the capital. Stroll through the galleries, and hear and share stories about the London of yesteryear, including shops Lyon's Corner House and Woolworths, both of which used to be prevalent on high streets. There's also a chance to taste some long-forgotten foods. Museum of London, free, book ahead, 2pm
THE COURT AT PLAY: Gresham College begins its new term with a free lecture about the court of King James I. When he took to the throne in 1603 — having never even been inside an English royal palace before — he hated the stuffy formality. Architectural historian Professor Simon Thurley talks through the new style of royal country residence that King James I created as a result. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
GRAFFITI TOUR: Ever noticed the graffiti inside Southwark Cathedral? Join this guided tour to get a closer look at the historic clandestine artwork, some of which dates back to medieval times. Graffiti researcher Crystal Hollis shares what it tells us about the people who created it — and you can ask her your questions in the pub afterwards. Southwark Cathedral, £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
AFRABIAN JOURNEY: Sudanese-British artist Rayan Elnayal hosts a storytelling session based on the novel A Season of Migration to the North by Sudanese author Tayeb Salih. Listen to excerpts about the 'hybrid Afrabian journey', and discuss your own experiences of hybridity. P21 Gallery (Euston), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
MEDITERRANEAN SUPPER CLUB: Get a taste of the Mediterranean at a four-course supper club, compiled by Spanish chef Massimo Arienti. Expect a Mediterranean spin on classic Italian dishes Cantina del Ponte (Shad Thames), £35 (£55 with wine pairing), book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
TWILIGHT TOUR: Visit Gothic castle Strawberry Hill House out of the usual hours, and experience it in a whole new light. The twilight tour is a chance to visit Horace Walpole's building with a drink in hand, and learn more about it from your guide. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £25/£20, book ahead, 7pm
PAVILION SUPPER CLUB: Dine inside the temporary Colour Palace at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Michelin-star chef Ollie Dabbous puts together a five-course meal, inspired by the structure. Wine pairings and a glass of bubbly are included in your ticket. Dulwich Picture Gallery, £80, book ahead, 7pm
HARRY POTTER: Watch the film of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone — the first in the series about the boy wizard — on a large HD screen, accompanied by a live soundtrack. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' instantly recognisable score. Southbank Centre, £25-£55, book ahead, 7.30pm
GOLDEN HINDE QUIZ: Swot up on your general knowledge and pick your five smartest friends for this quiz night on board the Golden Hinde. It's not your usual pub quiz though — the alternative comedy quiz is hosted by bearded drag artist Mr Teds, and in addition to the usual trivia, rounds include lip syncing and life drawing challenges. The Golden Hinde (Borough), £8, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
LIFE DRAWING: Let your creative juices flow at this life drawing late, run by creative collective Figuration. There are two models on two different floors — downstairs focuses on portraiture, and it's nude drawing upstairs. All materials and guidance provided. Age 18+. The Paxton Centre (Crystal Palace), £12/£10, book ahead, 8.30pm-10.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Next time you catch the Waterloo & City line at Bank, be sure to look up at the ceiling. This red steel ring is the remains of the tunnelling head (or Greathead Shield) used to excavate the tunnel in 1898. The shield was buried after the tunnel opened, only to be rediscovered in 1987 during construction of the Bank DLR branch. A small plaque records this information. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
If you can spare some time on Saturday, consider getting involved in a clean-up of the river along the Thames foreshore. It's part of Totally Thames and is organised by Art Action Change and led by activist Lilly Platt. Find out more and book a free space.
What we're reading
- Another major fire in a block of flats (Clapton), though fortunately no one is reported injured.
- London Zoo has the world's largest amphibian, and never realised.
- London North Eastern Railway's twitter goes a bit jokey, drawing praise and ire in equal measure.
- New body scanners are being trialled at Stratford station.
