Things to do
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: With the Christian Dior exhibition due to open in a couple of days, the V&A turns its attention firmly towards fashion. In this lunchtime lecture, author Fiona Anderson talks all things tweed, based on her research for her new book, including the links between tweed, fashion and nature. V&A (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 1pm-1.45pm
LUNAR EXPLORATION: 50 years after the moon landings, get an update on what's going on with modern lunar exploration. Gresham Professor of Astronomy Joseph Silk talks about the tourism and mining possibilities for the future on the moon. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
PAPIER MACHE: Have a chilled out evening creating monsters out of papier mache. All materials are provided, and a drink or two should see you on your way to getting 'creative'. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free when you buy a drink, from 6pm
FORGOTTEN FICTION: This monthly event aims to 'rediscover' lost literary gems of the 20th century. Tonight, the theme is 'acts of resistance', and the novels being discussed are Alone In Berlin by Hans Fallada, and A Different Drummer by William Melvin Kelley. Read one or both of the books (or neither, and suggest another book on the same topic to be discussed as well). Waterstones Gower Street, £8/£6, book ahead, 6.30pm
THEATRE CONVERSATION: The National Theatre's production of When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other is in the headlines due to Cate Blanchett's starring role, but this event throws writer Martin Crimp and director Katie Mitchell into the limelight. They reflect on the production in a conversation with author and theatre critic Aleks Sierz. National Theatre, £7, book ahead, 6.30pm
DIY TEA Take part in this Hackney Herbal workshop and learn how to make your own tea blend using culinary, medicinal and wild herbs. Learn about the benefits of each herb, and leave with your own set of teabags. The Hoxton (Shoreditch), £25, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
MUSEUM LATES: The first Science Museum late of the year focuses on China, ahead of Chinese New Year, with talks about the Chinese space programme, a silent disco, storytelling, tours of the museum, Chinese food and more. Age 18+. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book in advance, 6.45pm-10pm
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL: Traditional and contemporary Jewish music and indigenous Latin American music form part of this Holocaust Memorial event, along with poetry and talks. Ben Gidley of Birkbeck College talks about current experiences of anti-Semitism with focus on events which led to the Holocaust and other acts of genocide. Union Chapel (Islington), free, just turn up, 7pm
THE NIGHT ALPHABET: A former prison inmate, a mental health advocate and an Iraqi/Syrian refugee have all contributed to The Night Alphabet, a collection of short stories being launched tonight. The three women have also made short films about their experiences, which are screened at the launch (they include sensitive material and traumatic events). The Poetry Cafe (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, 7pm-10pm
EARTHLY EVOLUTION: Plate tectonics, climate change and ocean currents are all factors that have made the human race what it is today. Research scientist professor Lewis Dartnell gives an insight into how the Earth drives human evolution. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
OPEN MIC: London musicians are invited to perform at Common People, an open mic night with no backing tracks, and no house guitar or piano for accompaniment. Sign up on the night if you want to perform, or just go along and support London's up-and-coming musicians... they may be famous one day. Venn Street Records (Clapham), free entry, just turn up, 7.30pm
HEAR ME HOWL:This Vaults Festival show tells the story of Jess, who joins a post-punk band when she turns 30, giving up her day job and launching herself into an uncertain future. Waterloo Vaults, £15, book ahead, 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for North London's Got Talent, a local talent show taking place this weekend with money raised going to the North London Hospice. Find out more and book.
What we're reading
- Plans for a new Royal College of Art building in Battersea have been revealed.
- TfL and rail companies have insisted that predicted snowfall won't affect services.
- London faces 'severe' water drought.
- Photos from the roof of Southwark Cathedral.
