What we're reading:
- London department stores "smash" their windows in the name of women's suffrage.
- One man's search for London's best 'Best Kebab'.
- A vision of isolating technology from 1906.
- Columbia road residents take direct action to fight drugs blight.
- 10 extraordinary homes you can explore during Open House London.
Things to do:
THE WORKING CLASS SUFFRAGETTE: Shoe machinist. Mother of six. Radical socialist. Prisoner. Learn about the extraordinary life of Alice Hawkins, who was imprisoned five times in her campaign for women's voting rights, at an illustrated talk with her great-grandson, Peter Barratt. The National Archives (Kew), £5, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
ISLINGTON SUFFRAGETTE WALK: Wander through a key battleground in the fight for women's suffrage on this guided walk though Islington. Hear how over 200 suffragettes were imprisoned in the now-defunct Holloway prison, stop at a poignant war memorial, and look at where the first birth control clinic open to women began. Meet at Cat and Mouse Library (Holloway), free, book ahead, 2pm-4pm
DEAR MAC: Some of Pan Macmillan's best loved contemporary authors delve into the publishing house's archives to bring you author letters spanning 175 years — including correspondence from Thomas Hardy, Christina Rossetti and Lewis Carroll. The readings will be accompanied by live illustration from Chris Riddell and Alex Sceffler. Knowledge Centre, British Library (Euston), £15, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
FAIRY TALE OPERA: Nicolò Isouard’s operatic retelling of Cinderella comes to a baroque church in Westminster. Come for an enchanting evening of fairy tale romance, safe in knowledge you'll be home well before midnight. St John's Smith Square (Westminster), £28, book ahead, 7pm-9.15pm
HEAR ME HOWL: Be inspired by one woman's personal revolution in Hear Me Howl — the tale of a thirty-something who presses pause on her conventional life to become a post-punk rocker. The Old Red Lion Theatre (Angel), £16, book ahead, 7.30pm, until 29 September
TERRY: It may be comprised of two couples but Aussie underground band Terry is no ABBA. Boasting a impressive punk pedigree, the quartet tackles topics like nationalism, and police brutality in suitably noisy fashion. Moth Club (Hackney), £9, book ahead, 7.30pm
SEXBOX: Themes of gender fluidity, queer expression, and sexual liberation are explored through the lens of pioneering electronic musician Ursula Bogner in Fringe sensation Sexbox. The contemporary dance work inspired by controversial feminist psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich, comes to King's Cross for one night only. Robin Howard Dance Theatre (Kings Cross), £17, book ahead, 7.30pm
MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES: Five-time Grammy-winner Michel Legrand's compositions have featured on an impressive roster of classic films, including The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Yentl, and Wuthering Heights. See him conduct and perform these beloved scores alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as others from his back catalogue. Royal Festival Hall (Southbank Centre), from £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
DISSECTING THE JOKE: Laughter may not always be the best medicine, but it can certainly be welcome distraction from the fact we're all falling apart of the seams. A stellar line up of doctors and comedians turn their attention to your funny bone for a comedy night all about health. Backyard Comedy Club (Bethnal Green), £6.50, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
SOHO SOULTOWN: The Voice winner Jermain Jackson is coming to Soho to serenade you with golden age soul and Motown hits, as you dine on a fabulous three course meal. And it might only be Tuesday, but their £10 bottomless wine deal sure is tempting... 100 Wardour Street (Soho), £25, book ahead, 8pm-2am
Good cause of the day
Help make the world's first vagina museum a reality, right here in London at this fundraising comedy night. Science presenter, songstress, and comedian Helen Arney headlines an unapologetic, unruly, and downright dirty night of laughter.