Things to do
SISTER ACT: See 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film Sister Act performed as a stage musical. Watch the story of a disco diva who finds herself living in a nunnery when she has to go into hiding, and injects a splash of glamour to the resident choir. ArtsDepot (North Finchley), £22.50/£18.50, book ahead, 8-11 May
GRESHAM'S EXCHANGE: These days, the Royal Exchange is an upmarket shopping centre, but that wasn't its original purpose. Attend this Gresham College lecture to find out why Thomas Gresham funded the building himself, what its original purpose was, and what it tells us about Gresham and about London in that period. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
JACK THE RIPPER: East End serial killer Jack the Ripper is widely covered in history books — but what about his victims? The five women are rarely mentioned beyond their names, but historian Hallie Rubenhold's new book changes that. It's the first full-length biography to explore and contextualise those women’s lives, and she discusses it tonight. The London Library (St James's), £18/£12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
PROTESTANT CEMETERY: Nicholas Stanley-Price of the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery gives a lecture about the Protestant Cemetery in Rome, resting place of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley among other eminent individuals. Find out about the history of the Italian cemetery, and how it is managed today. Kensal Green Cemetery, £8/£6, just turn up, 6.30pm
WHAT RED WAS: Journalist Pandora Sykes chats to debut novelist Rosie Price about her book, What Red Was, which looks at class, control and the legacy of trauma. It examines the power play of relationships and looks at the consequences of abuse in its many forms. The discussion is followed by a Q&A and book signing. Foyles Charing Cross Road, £15/£8, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
NEW STATESMAN: Members of the New Statesman team record a live podcast, looking at the upcoming local and European elections, Brexit, and the state of British politics. The panel includes Stephen Bush, Political Editor at New Statesman, Jonn Elledge, Assistant Editor at New Statesman and Editor at CityMetric, and Helen Lewis, Associate Editor at New Statesman. Conway Hall (Holborn), £14.45/£8.82, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
MONEY AND DADDY: Tying in with the current Jews and Money exhibition, film lecture Dr Julia Wagner looks at representations of Jewish women in film, specifically the 'Jewish American Princess' stereotype of young protagonists from wealthy families who use their privileged positions for social good. Private Benjamin, Dirty Dancing and Clueless all feature, and your ticket includes access to the exhibition. Jewish Museum (Camden), £8.50/£6.50, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
ANGINA MONOLOGUES: Cardiac surgeon Samer Nashef shares stories of his time as a heart specialist with journalist Sathnam Sanghera, offering an insight into aspects of medical care that we rarely see. Tales told include the transporting of a donor’s heart up the motorway hard shoulder, and a traumatic trip to bring advanced cardiac surgery to the Palestinian West Bank. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
ABSINTHE TASTING: Dabble in the Green Fairy at The Last Tuesday Society's absinthe tasting event. Sup your way through a collection of rare and exclusive absinthes, and learn about the history of the rebellious spirit, a favourite of art and literature types in 19th and 20th century Paris. The Last Tuesday Society (Hackney), £21.91, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
RUM OFF: If absinthe's a bit much for a Wednesday, try rum instead. The first match of the 2019 rum-off at Bobby Fitzpatrick takes place tonight. Sample four cocktails with Gosling's, Appleton Estate, Westerhall Estate and Don Q rums, and vote for which one you want to see in the next stage of the competition. Bobby Fitzpatrick (Hampstead), £9, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for The Five Points Brewing Company's charity comedy night at its pub and taproom, The Pembury Tavern, next Monday. The event raises money for mental health charity Mind. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- An anonymous London police officer on why the police have lost control of the streets.
- New postage stamps to feature Crossrail.
- London Marathon runners were 'harassed to speed up'.
- Elephant Man Joseph Merrick's grave traced to east London.
