Things to do
ONLY BONES: As part of London International Mime Festival, New Zealand performer Trygve Wakenshaw brings his show Only Bones to the capital. In this minimalist physical micro-comedy show, he makes use of his rubber-like limbs to contort himself into all manner of mad and risqué positions. Soho Theatre, from £10, book ahead, 9-25 January
TROY AND BRITANNIA: Tying in with the current Troy exhibition, history expert Sam Moorhead takes a deep dive into the myth of Troy and how it shaped our country. Hear how the myth influenced the inhabitants of Roman Britain and, as a result, writers in later Britain. British Museum, £5/£4, book ahead, 1.30pm-2.30pm
PERSPECTIVE TOUR: Liz O’Riordan, a consultant breast surgeon who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, gives a tour of the current Misbehaving Bodies exhibition. She offers her own perspective of topics covered in the exhibition, based on her personal and professional experiences. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, just turn up, 6pm-6.45pm
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ART?: Londonist's own Visual Arts Editor Tabish Khan takes part in an evening of conversation looking at what's wrong with art. He and a panel of other experts discuss what can be improved in the visual arts industry, and what doesn't work in the arts world. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), free, book ahead, 6.30pm
GET FIT: Hear celebrated chef Tom Kerridge discuss his life and career, as well as the tips he's learned about getting fit and losing weight without compromising in the kitchen. He offers chef’s techniques for the best lower-calorie cooking, plus tips for stepping up to fitness targets. Conway Hall (Holborn), £25, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
ON BRIDGET RILEY: Art curator Lynne Cook gives a talk about the work of artist Bridget Riley in light of the current exhibition of her work. Cook, who organised an exhibition of the artist's work 20 years ago, discusses aspects of Riley’s painting in relation to contemporary artistic practice. Southbank Centre, £8, book ahead, 7pm
PROTECTING THE PEOPLE: How did the government try to protect you? That's the topic of this talk by propaganda and information expert David Welch. Based on research for his new book, he looks at leaflet, posters and other promotional material dating from the 1940s to 1997, which give an insight into what the government wanted its citizens to think or know. British Library, £13/£6.50, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
MAKING WAVES: Cinematic sound is an often overlooked art form, but 2019 film Making Waves shines a light on the people who create it. Sound engineer Midge Costin directs the film, drawing together interviews with filmmakers, editors and sound specialists to show just how crucial sound design is to the success of film. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), £6.50, book ahead, 7.45pm
ANIMAL FOLKLORE: South East London Folklore Society focuses on the folklore of animals for its January event. Find out how the beliefs of our ancestors have been passed down through civilisations and religions throughout history. The Old King's Head (Borough), £5/£3, book ahead, 8pm
SKATE LATES: The party's still going at the Somerset House ice rink, where DJ Yoda is the latest artist to oversee late-night skating. He spins the tunes while you skate into the night, with refreshments available at the Bailey's Skate Lounge. Somerset House, £17, book ahead, from 8pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
By now, you've probably heard Jay Foreman's brilliant song that namechecks every one of the 270 London underground stations. But have you listened to the new version with a full choir and piano? Here's the link:
Good cause of the day
Sign up now to take part in the London Winter Wander, a walk through central London via one of four routes. You can choose to raise money for a charity of your choice — find out more and book a place.
What we're reading
- People share their memories of the fire-hit Koko Camden.
- Deserter's World Cup of Pubs is back.
- Opposition to plans for an ice cream parlour overlooking the River Lea towpath in Clapton.
- One writer's quest to befriend a new person every day.
