Things To Do This Week In London: 22-28 January 2024

Things to do this week is sponsored by StartUp Show.

All week

SHAKESPEARE'S FIRST FOLIO: The free Shakespeare exhibition in the City of London Heritage Gallery at Guildhall Art Gallery closes this Thursday. The centrepiece is one of the most complete copies of William Shakespeare's First Folio in the world, and other objects including a deed for a property in Blackfriars which bears one of only six authenticated versions of Shakespeare's signature in existence. FREE, until 25 January

WINTER LIGHTS: You've got until Saturday to visit this year's Canary Wharf Winter Lights, a free trail of illuminated artworks dotted among the skyscrapers. There are 13 temporary installations to hunt down, switched on 5pm-10pm daily. Take a look at our guide to eating and drinking in Canary Wharf, and make a night of it. FREE, until 27 January

GHOSTS: This is the final week of Ghosts at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, programmed as part of the theatre's 10th anniversary season. The play, by Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen, caused scandal when it premiered nearly 150 years ago. Until 28 January

HERALDING SPRING: Well, here’s a blooming marvellous antidote to those winter blues! Chelsea Physic Garden has just reopened, and it’s already looking ahead to warmer weather and longer days. Head to this historic four-acre garden now to discover the earliest blooms of the year and snap up your own little slice of spring in the form of hellebores, irises and snowdrops – there’s a plant sale running till 28 January. Entry costs £10.50 — book ahead (sponsor)

TUBE SKETCHES: Head to Barbican Library this week to see Martin Church's tube paintings — a display of more than 100 paintings and mixed-media works of people going about their business, all captured on the Metropolitan line. FREE, until 29 January (open Monday-Saturday)

THEATRE TOURS: London's 'oldest new theatre' is opening its doors for tours. Join a guide for a tour of the Alexandra Palace Theatre, which opened in 1875, but closed in 1935 and was left to decay, until a restoration programme saw it reopened for performances in 2018. Age 14+. Until 31 January

SLOW MOTION SAUNA: What better way to warm your cockles this time of year than in a Scandi-style sauna? In Lewis Cubitt Square in King's Cross right now, the Slow Motion Sauna pop-up offers the chance to chill (or, rather, roast) in a wood-fired communal sauna, brave the plunge pool, then exfoliate with a salt scrub. What's more, it's just £6 a sesh. Until 11 February

OTHELLO: Othello has just opened for a run at Shakespeare's Globe, with performances taking place inside the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. 16th-century Venice becomes modern-day London in this retelling, with the issues faced by Othello still relevant today. Until 13 April

SNOWDROPS: 26 January is the average date of the first snowdrop flowering in England. Keen to get out and see the white shoots breaking through the winter ground this year? Have a read of our guide to when and where to see snowdrops in London, including a snowdrop sale taking place this Saturday (details below).

EAT OF THE WEEK: Pining for pizza? Alley Cats has just opened in Marylebone, channeling NYC vibes, with a walk-in only policy, and pizza available both whole and by the slice. The menu's pretty classic (pepperoni, margherita, sausage) — although we couldn't help but notice they also do a vodka pizza...

PLAY OF THE WEEK: Fan of the Netflix comedy Kim's Convenience? It actually started life as a play at the 2011 Toronto Fringe, and now it's returning to its roots, with a run at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. Even better, its writer, Ins Choi, is playing the role of Appa! Until 10 February

Monday 22 January

ASIAN QUEER STORY: Soho Theatre hosts the London debut of Coming Out To Dead People (An Asian Queer Story) — a highly-lauded show by NYC-based stand-up comedian Ricky Sim. As the title suggests, Sim tackles the time when he faced the decision to come out to his Chinese-Malaysian immigrant mother. 22-24 January

LANTERN MYSTERY TOUR: Head to the Royal Geographical Society for a magic lantern mystery tour. Speaker Nick talks about the set of 87 magic lantern slides which he bought with no idea about the images they contained. They revealed the story of Willie Read and his 1912 unknown expedition from Srinagar, over the Pamirs and across Central Asia to Siberia. 2.30pm-3.45pm

OCEANIC ENIGMA: Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, is at the Royal Institution to talk about deep sea exploration. So far, only 5% of the ocean has been explored — find out how the Institute is planning to increase this, including the use of an underwater robot which can reach depths of 4.5km. Watch in person, or online via livestream. 7pm-8.30pm

WORLD'S BIGGEST MYSTERIES: Continuing today's theme of mysteries, investigator Andy Thomas is at OSO Arts Centre in Barnes to talk about some of the mysteries and unexplained events he's worked on over the last 40 years, and discuss why so many people doubt the truth of events such as the moon landings. 7.30pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.

Tuesday 23 January

DECORATIVE FAIR: The Winter edition of The Decorative Fair takes place in Battersea Park, with decorative and fine antiques and 20th century design, furniture, lighting and mirrors, traditional textiles and a wide variety of art all available to browse and buy. 23-28 January

BRONCO BILLY: 1980 Clint Eastwood film Bronco Billy gets the musical treatment, with an all-singing, all-dancing production opening at Charing Cross Theatre tonight. It's the story of the leader of a Wild West show who employs a newlywed heiress on the run from her husband. 23 January-7 April

GENOMICS: Find out how genomics is transforming our approach to cancer treatment with a Gresham lecture delivered by Professor Sanjay Popat. FREE, 6pm

NEURODIVERGENCE AND COMEDY: Conway Hall’s Unmasked events are discussions between neurodivergent people about their life and passion. Tonight comedians Joe Wells and Victoria Melody discuss whether neurodivergence helps comedians to hone their talent, and the barriers neurodivergent people can face in a career in the spotlight. 6.30pm-8pm

SET DESIGN: Theatre-centric organisation THESP hosts an evening with theatre set designers, including Tom Pye and Georgia Lowe (whose recent works include My Neighbour Totoro and Lyonesse). Find out about the art of set design as they discuss their careers, hosted by THESP founder Gilly Hopper. Takes place at the Covent Garden Hotel. 6.30pm

SOUTH BANK BUILDINGS: Authors Rachel Kolsky and Louis Berk introduce their new book, London’s South Bank in 50 Buildings, at Stanfords in Covent Garden. They recently shared a few of the buildings that feature in the book with us, and tonight's event is a chance to hear about how they chose just 50 buildings, and the history behind some of them. 7pm-8.30pm

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Wednesday 24 January

BRITISH INDIA: As part of its current Indian Army at the Palace exhibition, Hampton Court Palace opens a virtual reality experience about the 1947 partition of British India. The docu-drama style experience features two men, one an Indian Hindu who migrated from Pakistan to India, and the other a Pakistani Muslim who made the opposite journey, sharing their experiences as they play a board game together. 24-28 January

CHRISTIE'S LATES: Christie's St James's auction house stays open late to celebrate the legendary guitar collection of Dire Straits musician Mark Knopfler. Ogle guitars spanning his 50-year career, while enjoying panel discussions and demonstrations. FREE, 5pm-10pm

FROM ANOTHER STAR: In 2017 astronomers discovered a peculiar object, dubbed Oumuamua, which came from beyond our solar system. It's unlikely to be an alien spaceship, as some have claimed, but Chris Lintott reveals what it has taught us about the formation of solar systems, in this Gresham lecture. FREE, 6pm

FOOD SECURITY: As part of its series of climate events, the Science Museum livestreams a panel of experts discussing how climate change is affecting global food supply chains. Severe weather including heatwaves, droughts and flooding is increasingly causing crop failures across the world, and the panel looks at what needs to be adapted to make our food supplies more resilient. FREE, 7.30pm-8.45pm

HOLOCAUST HISTORY: Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, historian and author Roger Moorhouse tells the forgotten story of an audacious rescue operation. His book, The Forgers, is about a small group of Polish diplomats and Jewish activists in Switzerland who forged papers to save the lives of thousands of Jews. He's in conversation with National Archives' Collections Specialist, Ela Kaczmarska, in an online event. 7.30pm

STAND UP COMEDY: Rosie Holt, Ahir Shah, Yasmeen Ghrawi, and Aatif Nawaz appear at Having The Last Laugh, a comedy night by Index on Censorship to celebrate the launch of its winter magazine issue, in which comedians speak about the risks they currently face to tell a joke. Takes place at The Book Club in Shoreditch. 7.30pm

Thursday 25 January

BURNS NIGHT: Scottish poet Robert Burns is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth with Burns suppers, ceilidhs and more. Here's our guide to Burns Nights 2024 events in London. 25 January

BATTERSEA LIGHT FESTIVAL: For the second year running, a light festival comes to the area surrounding Battersea Power Station, with glowing artworks in situ for a whole month. The seven installations include a giant diamond, illuminated butterflies, a playable light piano and a cycling light battle. Keep an eye out for free live entertainment and music performances as you wander round. FREE, 25 January-25 February

CUTE: The world of cute culture comes under the microscope in new Somerset House exhibition, Cute, which is curated in partnership with Sanrio to celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary. Music, fashion, toys, video games and social media all feature, along with new artist commissions, looking at how plushie toys, doe-eyed animals and the like have gained so much traction. 25 January-14 April

SATIRE: Who better to explain the history of satirical cartoons than the award-winning cartoonist Martin Rowson? He's at Gresham College tonight to sketch out the long history of lampooning the ruling classes. FREE, 6pm

DEAR ENGLAND: Opening to rave reviews at the National Theatre before transferring to the West End, Dear England stars Joseph Fiennes as England football manager Gareth Southgate as he tries to lead his team to victory. If you haven't managed to catch it on stage, Barbican Cinema has an NT Live screening tonight — that's a screening of a performance which was recorded live on the NT stage last year. 7pm

PALOMA FAITH: Tickets to attend Paloma Faith's talk at the V&A Museum have sold out, but you can still sign up to watch the livestream of the event from home. The singer-songwriter talks to V&A curator Kate Bailey about female empowerment and societal pressures on women, to coincide with the current DIVA exhibition. 7pm-8pm

FRANK MATCHAM: Victorian and Edwardian theatre architect Frank Matcham is the subject of a talk at Highgate Cemetery, given by theatre historian Mark Fox. Find out why the man responsible for London Palladium, London Coliseum and Hackney Empire (among 150 other buildings) was so successful, despite receiving no formal architecture training, and how his influence lives on today. 7.30pm

Friday 26 January

BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH: Help the RSPB keep an eye on the numbers of wild birds in London by taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. If you're lucky enough to have a garden or outside space, spend an hour counting and recording the numbers and types of birds that visit it, then report back to the RPSB. The charity uses the data to spot any patterns, anomalies, or any species that may be in danger. FREE, 26-28 January

FROST FAIR: The historic frost fairs of London past are brought back to life with Bankside's Frost Fair, a three-day event recalling the days when the Thames used to freeze over. It (hopefully) won't be that chilly this time around, but head to Bankside for traditional games, music and dance, artisan stalls, art and craft workshops, and even a life-sized elephant model, as well as Frost Fair-themed food and drink. 26-28 January

JUST FOR ONE DAY: The Old Vic hosts new musical Just For One Day, which focuses on 13 July 1985: the day of the Live Aid concert. It features songs by the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John and Paul McCartney, telling various people's stories of the event. 10% from the sale of all tickets will be donated directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust. 26 January-30 March

CHOPIN BY CANDLELIGHT: Celebrate the end of the week with a performance of Chopin's work, by concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith. Takes place at 1901 Arts Club in Waterloo, and your ticket includes a pre-concert champagne reception. 6.30pm-7.30pm or 9pm-10pm

PHILIPPA GREGORY: Author Philippa Gregory — whose work includes The Other Boleyn Girl — is at the National Portrait Gallery to introduce her new book, Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History. Spanning from 1066 to modern times, it looks at how women in everyday roles have shaped and changed history. She chats to historian and author Dan Jones. You can watch in person at the gallery, or via livestream. 7pm-8pm

Saturday 27 January

SNOWDROP SALE: A highlight of snowdrop season in London every year, the Ultimate Snowdrop Sale at Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield is a chance to buy your own snowdrop bulbs. Local nurseries and garden centres sell their wares, including some rare and unusual varieties. 10.30am-12pm

PHOTOSHOOT: Learn how to stage a thematic photoshoot and then edit it — with the expert guidance of Reuben Lee. Montcalm East is the swish setting for this class, and a model and props are provided. 11am-1pm

LINO PRINTING: Take a plain item of clothing or tote bag from your wardrobe along to Poplar Union and jazz it up at a lino printing class. Plan, carve and print your own lino design over the course of the session, under the guidance of textiles artist Jasmine Karis. 1pm-3.30pm

MOCKTAIL MIXOLOGY: Jack Sotti from Channel 4's Sunday Brunch leads a mocktail mixology masterclass at restaurant and cocktail bar Ester in Camden Market. Learn how to balance flavours, and master techniques such as shaking, stirring and garnishing to create your own alcohol-free drink. 1pm/3pm/5pm/7pm

LOVERGROUND & VALENTINO: Dance producers Loverground and Valentino team up at Juju's in Spitalfields tonight, spinning dance music of all flavours — from house and pop to soul and afrobeats. FREE, 7pm-11.30pm

AUSTRALIA DAY PARTY: The Troxy hosts the Aus Day London Expat Party, an Australia Day celebration for anyone from Down Under who's missing home. Sup Aussie beers, eat Aussie snacks, and dance to Australian music from the likes of Beth Caldow, Jimmy Mac, KatsNotDogs, Mike Gill and Wonder of Down Under until the small hours. 7pm-2am

SHOOT FROM THE HIP: Chaotic comedy improv troupe Shoot From The Hip pitch up at The Pleasance in Islington for a completely unplanned evening of games, chaotic scenes and laughs. 7.30pm

SE11 SESSIONS: The last Sunday of the month means SE11 sessions at Vauxhall's Tea House Theatre. Sip a brew, or even have your supper, while enjoying live jazz, soul and funk music from the house band, followed by a jam. 8.30pm

Sunday 28 January

CYCLO-CROSS: Herne Hill Velodrome hosts a day of London Cyclo-Cross Association events; if you've not been to the Velodrome before, it's got a storied past, and even hosted cycling in the 1948 Olympic Games! 9.30am-4pm

ANTIQUES FAIR: The Adams Antiques Fair rolls back into the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster with over 120 exhibitors selling antique jewellery, silver, decorative pieces and collectables. The event was first established in the 1970s, so it's fair to say they know what they're doing by now. 10am-4.30pm

GLASS ONION VINTAGE: Fancy livening up your wardrobe for less this Sunday? Leading vintage clothing company Glass Onion is hosting a huge pop up event Walthamstow’s Big Penny Social, feat. 40+ rails with prices starting at just a tenner and a premium vintage boutique curated by the Glass Onion product team. Expect trend-led pieces, designer items, and remade treasures, with bundle deals available. Entry costs £1 after the first hour, or £5 for early bird entry. (sponsor)

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT: A royalist branch of the English Civil War Society commemorates what they call "His Majestie's horrid murder" every year. Dozens of volunteers in royalist costumes, with mounted troops and weapons, recreate his short final journey from St James's Palace to the execution scaffolding at Banqueting House on Whitehall, before retracing the route back to St James's Palace. FREE, 11am

KIDS' COMEDY: Take the whole family along to artsdepot in North Finchley for Comedy Club 4 Kids — it's just like a regular comedy show, but with the jokes toned down to be suitable for the younger generation. Recommended age 6+. 12pm/2.30pm

MINDFUL CRAFTERNOONS: Finish your week with a mindful crafting session for adults. Londonist contributor Momtaz Begum-Hossain leads a creative workshop, encouraging you to forget the stresses of life for a while as you focus on a craft project. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary — you could be working on anything from painting and collage to mindful sewing and embroidery. FREE (donations to CALM suicide prevention charity), 4pm-6pm

SUPPER CLUB: Mayfair-based Indian restaurant Kanishka lets Head Chef and owner of Myrtle restaurant, Anna Haugh, take over the kitchen for the latest in its Sunday Supper Club series. Taking inspiration from old Irish recipes, she serves up a six-course meal including cheese mousse with mushrooms and Jerusalem artichoke, smoked salmon, and buttermilk panna cotta topped with Flahavans oats and poached rhubarb. 6pm

Good Cause of the Week

Cancer Research UK's London Winter Run is coming up again. The 10k challenge on Sunday 25 Feb is one of the few charity events to close off large sections of central London, as it winds its way through the City and West End. The race puts the fun back into fun run, with "high-fiving huskies, partying penguins, and huggable polar bears... If you’re lucky you may even spot a legendary yeti or two!". More importantly, the race raises millions for cancer research. Final entry places are now up for grabs.

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