Things to do
HALF TERM: As the school holidays get underway, plan you week ahead with our guide to things to do in London in half term.
LAST CHANCE: It's the final week to see Lost Treasures at Horace Walpole's Strawberry Hill House. The exhibition brings together items that belonged to Walpole when he lived there, but were sold off after his death. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £16, book ahead, until 24 February
VIDEO GAMES: Also in its final week is the V&A's exhibition about video games. For anyone who's really, really into their video games, it's a fascinating and detailed exhibition, but for the casual video game fan, we found it hard to get into. V&A Museum (South Kensington), £18, book ahead, until 24 February
BEATRIX POTTER: Rarely seen sketches by Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter when she was a child go on show in a new display, along with later works which turned out to be early renderings of her famous animal characters. V&A Museum, free, book ahead, until 17 November
FASHION TOUR: International Fashion Showcase is a free exhibition that displays work by budding fashion designers from all over the world, coinciding with London Fashion Week. Today, take a free tour of the exhibition, with some of the designers whose work is featured. They could be the next Christian Dior or Vivienne Westwood. Somerset House, free, sign up half an hour in advance, 2pm-3pm
SLEEP STORIES: Author and journalist Phoebe Smith shares her experiences of sleeping in extreme locations (which she's written a book about) and offers tips for better sleep. It coincides with her appointment as Sleep Storyteller in Residence by the Calm App. Stanfords (Covent Garden), £4, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.45pm
DOPING: Should doping in world-class athletics be considered 'cheating'? As more complex drugs and stimulants are developed, can methods of detection keep up? Hear from experts including John William Devine, Lecturer in Sports Ethics and Integrity at Swansea University. LSE (Holborn), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
MONKEY AND ROY: Meet new comedy duo Monkey and Roy — we think you'll be seeing a lot of them on the London comedy circuit. 'Roy' is played by comedian Shenoah Allen, and that's Nina Conti inside that monkey costume. In this improvised show, they attempt to solve the audience's personal problems, and tonight they're joined by John Kearns and Adam Riches. The Old Queen's Head (Islington), £10/£12, book ahead, 7.30pm
HOME SWEET HOME: In a one-man show, a part-Iranian, part-Welsh Londoner uses acrobatics, juggling and stand-up comedy to explore what it means to belong someone, and what it's like as a Londoner who doesn't fit in. Jackson's Lane (Highgate), £14/£12/£10, book ahead, 7.30pm
FILM NOIR: Short film night Shorts On Tap celebrates its fifth birthday with an evening of mini neo-noir films, featuring dark stories, mysterious characters and dangerous situations. The screening's followed by a Q&A with some of the film makers. Regent Street Cinema, £7, book ahead, 7.30pm-11pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Although Charles Dickens died seven years after the opening of the first Underground station, and 34 years after London’s first railway, the author does not namecheck a single London station in any of his novels.
Good cause of the day
Book now for this Saturday's Art For Wildlife event, raising money for International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals. Find out about the work the charity does, including protecting elephant orphans and helping with rhino conservation. There's also an auction where you can bid on some wildlife artwork. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- Three roads around Bank could go completely traffic-free.
- The location has been chosen for a new footbridge across the Thames.
- Ever looked closely at a Fortnum & Mason chocolate bar?
- Japanese architect Junya Ishigami will design the 2019 Serpentine Pavilion.
