Things to do this week is sponsored by National Army Museum.
All week
ROYAL PARKS: It's the final week of this fascinating exhibition looking at the history of London's Royal Parks. Paintings, drawings, photos and other memorabilia track the green spaces, from use as hunting grounds by Henry VIII through to modern rock concerts. Garden Museum (Lambeth), included in admission, just turn up, until 9 February
VAULT FESTIVAL: Been to this year's Vault Festival yet? There's plenty going on this week, including macabre theatre show What The Dolls Saw, bizarre comedy show Legs, family theatre show Big Bones, and comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi's show, Skittish Warrior. Waterloo Vaults, various prices, book ahead, until March
BRIDGET CHRISTIE: Comedian Bridget Christie graces Soho with her presence — and her work-in-progress show — for three evenings, beginning tonight. See her try out fresh material ahead of her new stand-up show. Soho Theatre, £15, book ahead, 3-5 February
LITTLE MISS BABY ANGEL FACE: Also beginning a run at Soho Theatre is comedian Helen Bauer. Her show, Little Miss Baby Angel Face, delves into her dramatic ways, and her dreams of changing and handling dramatic situations with grace rather than panic. Soho Theatre, various prices, book ahead, 3-8 February
CHINESE ARTS: Performing arts festival Chinese Arts Now returns to London, with a programme of performances by British-Chinese artists. Our picks this week include expressionist dance piece Lighthouse, and kids' theatre show Boh Boh's New Friends.Various locations and prices, book ahead, 3-23 February
STEPPING INTO STORIES: Book-loving youngsters are in for a treat at Stepping Into Stories, a literary festival in Herne Hill. Talks, workshops and an open mic night cover poetry, illustration, creative writing and other crafts, with special appearances by former Children’s Laureate and award-winning author and illustrator, Chris Riddell and his daughter, illustrator Katy Riddell. Station Hall Herne Hill, £6 per event, book ahead, 4-9 February
Monday 3 February
PAPPY'S FLATSHARE SLAMDOWN: Comedians Mae Martin and Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner) are the guests for this live recording of podcast Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown. The premise is a gameshow based in a fictional flat, with Matthew Crosby as landlord, and flatmates Ben Clark and Tom Parry going head to head in tasks. Moth Club (Hackney), £15, book ahead, 7pm
GINA MILLER: She’s best-known for taking the UK government on and winning, not once but twice. Hear from Gina Miller, who fought the triggering of Article 50, and the Supreme Court’s ruling that the decision to suspend Parliament was unlawful, talking about her new memoir Rise. She discusses how one person speaking out can make a difference, with news presenter Philippa Thomas. British Library, £16/£8, book ahead, 7pm-8.15pm
FANTASTIQUE: The Corinthian Orchestra performs a programme of works written by Tchaikovsky and Berlioz. Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Orchestra for a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, followed by Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Southbank Centre, £15-£22, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 4 February
PAINT STREET ART: Get your creative hat on and head along to Pop-Up Painting to create your own version of Banksy's Balloon Girl. Creativity is very much encouraged, all materials are provided, and no experience is necessary. Sipping Room (Canary Wharf), £27.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
SPACE ARCHITECTURE: What could buildings on other planets look like in the future? Architect and technologist Xavier De Kestelier heads up an expert panel about the future of architecture beyond Earth, and the constraints that have to be taken into account when designing structures for other planets. Design Museum (Kensington), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
CHAPEL ROYAL: Hear Richard Chartres, retired bishop of the Church of England, talk about The Chapel Royal, the parish church of the Tower of London, and its role in the Reformation. It's part of a series of events celebrating the chapel's 500th anniversary. Tower of London, £20, book ahead, 7pm
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More than skin deep: tattoo exhibition tells tales of service and sacrifice at the National Army Museum
Explore the powerful role tattoos play in the Armed Forces at the National Army Museum's latest exhibition, produced by The Royal British Legion and the National Memorial Arboretum. Through poignant photography, Tribute Ink reveals the stories of identity, comradeship, bravery and sacrifice that live on the skin of soldiers, sailors and airmen.
This is your first chance to see these images displayed in London — captured by renowned photographer Charlie Clift at military bases across the UK — alongside new stories and photography of four Chelsea Pensioners. Tribute Ink is completely free to visit and runs daily, 10am-5pm until 17 April.
Tattoo aficionados and military buffs also won't want to miss the Tribute Ink Late, 6.30pm-9.30pm on 4 March. This free event features talks on the significance of tattoos within the Armed Forces, music from the British Army Rock Band, life-drawing with Art Macabre and a custom temporary tattoo stand. See the programme here.
Wednesday 5 February
BABE IN ARMS: The Foundling Museum holds a special viewing and tour of its new exhibition, Portraying Pregnancy, aimed at parents and carers with babies up to a year old. Museum director Caro Howell leads the relaxed tour, followed by tea and coffee. The Foundling Museum, £10, book ahead, 9.30am
FAST FASHION: Lauren Bravo, author of How To Break Up With Fast Fashion, talks about taking a more sustainable approach to your clothes. Aimed at anyone who wants to change their mindset and try more sustainable ways of shopping, the Salon event is full of tips and advice. No 11 Pimlico Road, £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
BAIT: Screen25 shows Bait, a 2019 film about Cornish fisherman Martin, who struggles to buy a boat, while dealing with the changes in his town caused by the influx of tourists and Airbnbs. It's part of Screen25's Discovery series of events, shining the spotlight on independent films which didn't get the attention they deserved when released. Harris Academy South Norwood, £9/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm
Thursday 6 February
CLASSICAL VAUXHALL: Three venues, three concerts, three days. That's the crux of Classical Vauxhall, a series of events which aim to make people think differently about classical music, and do away with the ceremony of traditional concerts. The first concert, tonight, takes place in the gothic splendour of St Peter's Church, with a well-stocked bar and a casual vibe. Vauxhall venues, various prices, book ahead, 6-8 February
QUEEN OF THE SEAS: Learn about Queen Elizabeth 2 (or QE2), the longest serving Cunard liner in the company's history. In service from 1969 to 2008, the ship grew quite a fanbase, and tonight's a chance to hear about the history and design of the much-missed vessel. Guildhall Library (£8.14), book ahead, 6pm-8pm
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION: Explorer and writer Levison Wood gives a talk about his recent experience trekking across Botswana with a herd of migrating elephants, sharing stories and anecdotes. The event raises money for elephant conservation charity TUSK. The Emmanuel Centre (Westminster), £20, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
Friday 7 February
PUNK AND RACE: As part of Decolonise Fest, Museum of London hosts an evening looking at issues of race in the Punk scene, both historically and in the present. Hear a panel discuss anti-racism, social inclusion and the problems faced in the 1970s-80s, and how those issues are still prevalent today in the Punk scene. Museum of London, £12, book ahead, 6.30pm
LIVE AT THE EMPIRE: Sara Pascoe, David O'Doherty, Suzi Ruffell, Mae Martin and Kiri Pritchard McClean all take to the stage at comedy night Live at the Empire. See the impressive range of comic talent in one place, at a venue that claims to be London's original comedy home. Hackney Empire, from £18, book ahead, 8pm
MISS KIDDY AND THE CADS: Vintage band Miss Kiddy and the Cads bring a touch of old Hollywood glamour to west London, with a show of live music, stunning costumes, tap dancing and all manner of other entertainment. Expect to hear modern songs from the likes of Bowie and Beyonce, with a vintage twist. Watermans (Hounslow), £15/£14, book ahead, 8.30pm
Saturday 8 February
MAGNIFICAT: Southwark Cathedral hosts a celebration of all things feline, with five different presentations covering everything from the domestic moggy to the mighty lion. Writer Kimberlie Hamilton shares tales of feisty felines, and wildlife specialist Sara Evans discusses the plight of wild lions. Southwark Cathedral, £15/£12.50, book ahead, 10am-5pm
BLOOMSBURY ARCHITECTURE: Join The London Ambler for a wander around Bloomsbury, looking at the architecture of the local area. See a complete cross-section of the area, from 17th century mansions to 20th century urban grids, with focus on the well-known and hidden green spaces. Bloomsbury Square Garden, £12/£10, book ahead, 10.30am-12.30pm
OUR DISGUSTING PLANET: At Our Disgusting Planet, the Vagina Museum aims to bust taboos and normalise the disgusting through frank, funny and filthy comedy. Headed up by scientists Belle Taylor and Charlotte Mykura, the evening looks at all manner of unexpected and unusual topics. Vagina Museum (Camden Market), £9/£7, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Sunday 9 February
CLASSICAL COFFEE MORNINGS: Get your Sunday off to a cultured start, with a classical music show, accompanied by coffee and pastries. Toril Azzalini-Machecler and Isaac Harari, performers from the Royal College of Music Junior Department, showcase their skills today. Royal Albert Hall, £12.50, book ahead, 11am
WITCH HUNTS: Thought witch hunting was a thing of the past? Think again. Kirsty Brimelow QC and author and campaigner Syd Moore join forces to expose the reality of belief in witchcraft today, and the resulting harmful practices. Find out about techniques use to 'discover' witches today, hear about the legal perspective, and some real-life cases. Conway Hall (Holborn), £8/£5, book ahead, 3pm-4.30pm
PAINT LONDON: Have a go at painting your own version of the London skyline, inspired by the rendering above. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided, as is the guidance of a qualified artist. A themed playlist plays as you paint, and drinks are available to buy from the bar. Effra Social (Brixton), £29.99, book ahead, 3pm-5pm
