Things to do
TRACEY EMIN: A new exhibition of work by renowned artist Tracey Emin opens today. A Fortnight Of Tears features sculpture, neon, painting, film, photography and drawing, all focusing on the artist’s own memories and emotions arising from loss, pathos, anger and love. White Cube (Bermondsey), free, just turn up, 6 February-7 April
GUN SALUTES: You might want to take some ear plugs if you're out in London today as 103 rounds of gun salutes are expected, to mark the anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. 41 rounds are fired in Green Park at 12pm, followed by 62 rounds at the Tower of London at 1pm. Full details here.
GOOD GRIEF!: If you visit the Peanuts exhibition today, there's the extra bonus of a lunchtime talk. Artist Mel Brimfield discusses the psychological themes used by Schulz in Peanuts comic strips, including Lucy’s Psychiatric Help booth. Somerset House, included in exhibition admission (£14), booking recommended for exhibition, 1pm-1.30pm
SAMUEL JOHNSON: Follow in the footsteps of dictionary pioneer Samuel Johnson. This guided walk begins at his former residence close to Fleet Street and visits sights including the Fleet Valley, Ludgate Hill and St Paul's Cathedral which would have been familiar to Johnson himself. Dr Johnson's House (Fleet Street), £5/£4, just turn up, 3pm
PIE NIGHT: Tuck into a warming pie on a chilly February night at Pie Night, where food is provided by current kitchen residents We Serve Humans. Filling choices include steak, mushroom & ale, or chicken & tarragon, with vegan creamy leek & mushroom also available. The Heathcote & Star (Leytonstone), various prices, book a table, 5pm-10pm
THE GOOD LANDLORD: A theatre show about a flat that seems too good to be true, The Good Landlord begins tonight at Vault Festival. Graduates Tom and Ed find themselves a cheap, spacious centrally located flat... ideal, until they find out that the flat is covered in cameras, broadcasting their every move to the landlord. Waterloo Vaults, £15, book ahead, 6pm (until 10 February)
SHOPPING EVENING: If a bookshop lock-in sounds right up your street, head along to London Review Bookshop's late shopping evening. Staff are on hand to offer recommendations (and there's a 10% discount on books bought on the night), and your ticket includes a glass of wine. The Cake Shop is open late if you need more substantial refreshments. London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
UNDER THE SKIN: To launch new exhibition Under The Skin, hear Royal Academy of Arts curator Annette Wickham talk about the various ways artists have recreated the human anatomy throughout history, and the methods they've used to convey the complex layers of the human body. Royal College of Physicians (Regent's Park), £5/£4, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
ABSINTHE TASTING: Feeling brave? Dabble in the Green Fairy at this absinthe tasting session. In addition to tasting some rare varieties of the potent drink, learn about the history of it. Line your stomach first, eh? The Last Tuesday Society (Hackney), £22.50, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
ONE TRACK MINDS: Actor and comedy writer Tom Basden, musician Soweto Kinch and poet Caleb Femi and among the acts at this live event which combines storytelling with music. Each of them presents a song which had a powerful effect on their life. Wilton's Music Hall, £3-£12, book ahead, 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow with different acts)
HALE COUNTY: Here's a documentary you've probably never heard of — but give it a chance. Arthouse release Hale County tells the true community stories that photographer and filmmaker RaMell Ross discovered when he moved to Hale County in Alabama. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm
THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER: Moving away from the usual programme of tribute bands, The Half Moon hosts parodist The Gentleman Rhymer, who's earned himself a following by performing 'Chap Hop' — that's hip hop in an RP accent. Expect ditties about pipe smoking and cricket, with banjolele accompaniment. The Half Moon (Putney), £8, book ahead, 8pm
YOUNG CORBYN: Also beginning at Vault Festival tonight is Young Corbyn: An Origin Story. The comedy show charts the story of the rise of the Labour leader, using choric song, flash dance and rhythmic gymnastics. Waterloo Vaults, £10, book ahead, 10pm (until 10 February)
Good cause of the day
Head to Balls Brothers in Mincing Lane tonight for an evening of arts and music, raising money for Arts 4 Dementia. Tuck into a three-course meal while enjoying entertainment including tribute act So Sinatra, Find out more and book.
What we're reading
- The most popular Instagram post ever was created by a Londoner.
- The British Museum has acquired a Banksy fake banknote for its collection.
- Jewish Museum's exhibition will confront stereotypes about Jewish connections with money.
- Here's a trendy east London pop-up restaurant you probably haven't eaten in.
- Truth or fiction? You decide.
