What we're reading
- How a major exhibition opening was delayed due to an artwork catching fire.
- Meet the poppy seller who's retiring after 97(!) years.
- Shocking photos from inside the flat where the Grenfell Tower fire is thought to have started.
- Sadiq Khan weighs in on the train timetable debacle.
Things to do
POETRY FESTIVAL: Today's the launch of Second Home Poetry Festival, which brings together established poets and new talent for readings, performances, discussions and rewards. Kick things off with a reading from LGBTQ activist Yrsa Daley's new memoir, The Terrible. Second Home Holland Park, various prices (most events £6), book ahead, 5-9 June
MURDER MOST FOLEY: Only bumbling PI Dick Reference can crack the case of the McDoughal Manor murder in this new comedic thriller. A Murder Most Foley uses live sound effects and a colourful collection of possibly unhinged characters for a Whodunnit that that breaks the sound barrier. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £12, book ahead, 7.45pm, 5-10 June
CHANGING CLIMATES: For the past two summers, an intrepid team of female scientists has braved the hostile landscapes of the Arctic Circle to study the effects of global warming. Their fascinating stories are documented in a series of candid photographs, alongside their personal testimonies. The Brick Lane Gallery, free, just turn up, 5-11 June
SUFFRAGE CENTENARY: It's a century since (some) women won the vote, but how did they get there? Researcher Elizabeth Crawford and historian Dr Sumita Mukherjee give an insight into the suffrage movement at this talk, including stories not told before. Museum of London, £5, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
BIT NIPPY: Who says you can't have it all? Have a go at becoming both a burlesque babe and crafting queen with the help of a naughty nipple tassle-making workshop. Everything you need (including Dutch courage) is available there, so just bring yourself and your naughty-minded mates. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), free when you buy a drink, just turn up, 6pm
THE FIX: Discover the best bands breaking onto the scene at The Social's new music showcase. Tonight's performances include the likes of synth pop artist Rina Mushonga and singer-songwriter Dom McAllister. The Social (Little Portland Street), free, just turn up, 7pm-10pm
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Sounds Like London: our picks today
June brings the Mayor of London's Sounds Like London campaign to the capital — a month-long celebration of both women in music and London's grassroots music scene. Here's our pick of today's Sounds Like London events:
YUJA WANG: Innovation and imagination abounds in the recitals of pianist Yuja Wang — let her dazzle you. Barbican Centre, £10.45, 7.30pm-10pm, 5 June
KATY HURT: A night of fresh music down in Balham. One Eskimo, HOPE, Jade Williams and headliner Katy Hurt are all sure to wow. What grassroots music is all about. The Bedford, free, 7.30pm, 5 June
FICTIONAL MONSTERS: Creatures such as Frankenstein's may be make-believe, but they usually reflect the society in which they were created. What can Frankenstein tell us about the hopes and fears of the time in which Mary Shelley was writing? Various experts come together for a talk on the topic. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
CREATIVE NIGHTS: A gaggle of gag merchants come to the Star of Kings to show off their latest material. Expect sketches, stand-up, music and more. The Star of Kings (King's Cross), free (donations welcome), just turn up, 7.30pm-10pm
GORDON BROWN: Former prime minister and chancellor Gordon Brown takes to the stage at Southbank Centre to discuss his four decades in politics, interviewed by none other than his own wife, Sarah Brown. Southbank Centre, £15-£25, book ahead, 7.30pm
CHURCH OF PHIL: Get ready to worship at the altar of Phil in a genre-bending cult recruitment seminar that's thinly disguised as a caravan holiday park presentation. This absurd multimedia comedy show has it all — puppetry, naff Word Art, and just enough blood sacrifice to keep it on the right side of tasteful. Landor Space (Clapham), £10, book ahead, 7.30pm-8.30pm
Good cause of the day
Gordon Brown may be otherwise engaged today (see above) but his esteemed colleagues are going head to head in a — literal, for once — Parliamentary tug of war. Sign up now to take part, or get a spectator ticket to watch on the day. The evening culminates in a Lords Vs Commons match, and it's all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.
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