Things to do
VICTORIA AND ALBERT: Spend your lunch break at the V&A Museum, marking 200 years since the births of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Hear about the couple's contributions to the opening of the museum named after them, the Great Exhibition of 1851, and Albert's sudden death. V&A Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm
SPAIN'S BLACK LEGEND: In 16th and 17th century Europe, 'Spain' became a byword for cruelty. While the infamous Spanish Inquisition is well-known, many other occurrences received much less attention. In this Gresham College lecture, find out about the country's 'black legend', and why certain events are better-known than others. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
POTTERY: Have a go at handmade pottery at this beginner's workshop, which starts today and runs across three weeks. Learn how to mould, smooth and paint earthenware clay to make a pinch pot. No experience is required, and tonight's moulding night, so get thinking about your shapes. Borough (address provided on booking), £80 for all three sessions, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm (sponsor)
HEIST MOVIE: Be among the first to see the latest short film/sitcom pilot from comedy duo Ed Aczel and Joz Norris. Heist Movie sees them reinvent themselves as a low-rent Ocean's Eleven. The Bill Murray (Islington), £5, book ahead, 6.45pm-7.45pm
WORLD OF JOURNALISM: The How To Academy hosts Nicholas Coleridge, former chairman of Condé Nast Britain, for an inside look at the world of high-end journalism. He offers the inside scoop on Tina Brown and Anna Wintour, David Bowie and Philip Green, Kate Moss and Beyoncé and a surreal weekend away with Bob Geldof and William Hague. The Tabernacle (Notting Hill), £30, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
MUSEUM LATES: It's the last Wednesday of the month which means Science Museum stays open late... and this time, it's top secret. The event is themed on the current spy exhibition, with talks, debates and games on security, plus the usual exhibitions, galleries and silent disco. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 6.45pm-10pm
IMAGINING EUROPE: Dash Cafe explores the idea of European Unity in its Imagining Europe themed event. Expect live music, film, performances, readings and discussion on Britain's 11th hour in the EU, including a performance created in a workshop with European actors at the Young Vic. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7pm
STARRY NIGHT: Paint your own version of Van Gogh's Starry Night... with Hyde Park as a backdrop. This Pop-Up Painting session is open to all artists, no experience necessary, and materials and guidance are included in the price. Urban Meadow (Bayswater), £28.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm
LOUIS THEROUX: Everyone's favourite documentary maker Louis Theroux drops into Southbank Centre to chat to comedian, director and friend Adam Buxton. Theroux discusses his two decades of experience in the TV industry, some of the people he's encountered on the way, and challenges he's faced. Southbank Centre, £15-£35, book ahead, 7.30pm
HAPPY AS LAZZARO: Watch a screening of newly-released Italian drama Happy As Lazzaro. With Martin Scorsese as executive producer, it's the story of Lazzaro, a good-hearted young peasant, and Tancredi, a young nobleman cursed by his imagination, who form a life-altering bond. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm-10pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Today (Wednesday) would have been Ronnie Barker's 90th birthday. If you've never watched it before, set a few minutes aside to watch this classic Two Ronnies sketch, featuring a constant barrage of tube-related puns. Genius. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Head to Leighton House Museum tonight for a screening of Queens of Syria, a collection of films made by a young generation of Syrian filmmakers. Money raised goes to the Hands Up Foundation, which supports those affected by conflict in the country. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Sex attacks on the tube up by 42% in four years.
- Seafood restaurant Cornerstone named as London Restaurant of the Year.
- Shoreditch Park is set for a £2 million makeover. Local opinions welcomed.
- A celebration of the disappearing cries of street vendors.
