Things To Do Today In London: Wednesday 6 September 2017

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A River Runs Through It

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POLICE MUSEUM: Did you know that the City of London Police are the proud holders of an Olympic medal? Find our more at the City of London Police Museum, which tells the history of the force through interesting stories and objects — and stays open later on Wednesday nights. City of London Police Museum, free, just turn up, weekly, 9.30am-7.30pm

LATE NIGHT MUSEUM: The recently renovated National Army Museum in Chelsea stays open until 8pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Explore the galleries after the daytime crowds have gone home, and find out what it's like to serve in the military, learn about military traditions and see artefacts including the skeleton of Napoleon's horse. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 10am-8pm

RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: Take this opportunity to explore London's vibrant landscape and character through dazzling colours, light installations and other ingenious techniques at this exhibition. Oxo Tower Wharf, free, book ahead, 11am-8pm (until 10 September)

HISTORY LECTURE: Think you know all you need to know about Piccadilly and St James? Well, which club voted Margaret Thatcher an honorary man? Where aren't you allowed to run, whistle, sing, or open an umbrella? Which royal lodged two mistresses in the same house? Pete Smith has the answers. Society of Genealogists (Islington), £8, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

TUDOR BREXIT: Ahead of his new programme Reformation being aired on BBC2, Dr David Starkey tackles the English Reformation and the far-reaching effects of this 'Tudor Brexit' in a talk. The Queen's House (Greenwich), £25/£20, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Comedian Tim Key at 100 Club

DEFEATING DIABETES: Jon-Sel Gourkan is the face of satirical one-man show Keep Calm I'm Only Diabetic following his real-life experience with Type 1 Diabetes; the obstacles and challenges, and joy of overcoming it all when the odds have been stacked against you. The Cockpit, £10/£12, book ahead, 7.30pm

IN THE DARK: In an experience that is somewhat of an oxymoron, the Institute of Light invites its audience to sit in the dark for its Pitchblack Playback listening session. Tame Impala's Currents will be played in full as you sit in the comfort of a sofa or — for some reason — an original airplane seat. 18+ event. The Institute of Light, £8, book ahead, 7.30pm

CLASS COMEDY: If you loved Tim Key on Taskmaster, then you'll probably have an exceedingly good night out at 100 Club, with additional laughs from Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Joseph Morpurgo and rising talent Fin Taylor among others. 100 Club (Fitzrovia), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm

FOURTH DIMENSION: Psychologist and semi-professional magician Matt Tompkins explores the consequences and impacts of the night of the 18 November 1877 when a group of academics, including 'founder of experimental psychology' Wilhelm Wund, joined hands and witnessed a series of miracles in the presence of a visiting American spirit medium. The Star and Garter (Greenwich), £3, just turn up, 7.30pm

HOW ROMANTIC: Enjoy Valentine's Day all over again with a performance of The Lovers' Bridge of Magpies, which celebrates Qixi Jie, or Chinese Valentine's Day. This musical concert tells one of China's most famous folk tales — the story of star-crossed lovers Zhi Nü and Niu Lang and the flock of magpies that came to their aid. China Exchange, £12, book ahead, 7.30pm-8.45pm

Food review: DIY hot pot in Chinatown

Eating in London can feel a little like a rat race. But the folks at Hot Pot encouraged us to take our time over their spicy broths, cooked in front of us on our table's hot plate. Milder palates will want the chicken or vegetable soups — only those really prepared for a spice challenge should attempt the Mala Sichuan. Next we selected our ingredients, from plump shrimp to strips of beef supplemented by sides of pak choi and potato. As it bubbled away in front of us, we chose a multitude of sauces from the sauce bar (we'd recommend the Korean gochujang sauce for a good kick). Some of us loved the do-it-yourself aspect, while others found it difficult to figure out when the ingredients were cooked properly. The soups were a little lacking in flavour and could do with being thicker, but the meats were tender and tasty. Unlimited condiments meant every bite could taste different, but the real highlight was the sweet and soft coconut pancake dessert. It was certainly an experience, but we can understand the common gripe that it's a pretty pricey experience for a meal you essentially cook yourself. Hot Pot, 17 Wardour Street, W1D 6PJ ★★★☆☆ Eleana Overett

Theatre review: gay history x

Courtesy of the 50-year anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, this year's hot topic is queer history. This omnibus of short plays, set in each decade since the 1950s, sees works from seven top gay writers including Jonathan Harvey and Jonathan Kemp. Queens watch the coronation, a Princess Di impersonating drag queen learns of her death and two black guys look for hook-ups on a pre-Grindr Internet. There's an occasional dip in quality but overall it's a wittily curated, alternative view of gay history. Outlaws to In-Laws, King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, N1 1QN, £15-25. Until 23 September ★★★★ (Tuesday to Sunday) Chris Bridges

Art review: a creepy grotto

Strange looking creatures, all hunched with rounded features are strapped to chairs, the wall and stuffed into cupboards. Welcome to the bizarre and creepy world of Francis Marshall. The whole gallery has been turned into one large grotto packed with these fascinating oddities at every turn. Francis Marshall and The Beautiful People at The Gallery of Everything, 4 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PS, free. Until 10 September  ★★★★☆ (Tuesday-Sunday) Tabish Khan

Good cause of the day: Jeans for Genes Day

Jeans for Genes Day is not just for secondary schoolers looking to get out of wearing their uniform for a day. Anyone can take part and help raise money to help people who have been diagnosed with the vast number of genetic disorders that have been discovered. Around one in 25 children are affected; some are diagnosed at birth while others can live into adulthood before finding out they have a disorder. Get involved by signing up for a fundraising pack and embrace the double denim on 22 September.

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