Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 15 May 2018
MAL-ONE: Rediscover the forerunners of punk rock at a this exhibition of décollages from the movement's debut 45 releases. Artist Mal-One has torn apart original 7" artwork from acts like Adam & Ants, Sex Pistols, and X Ray Specs to reveal insightful nuggets of their backstory. Herrick Gallery (Mayfair), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 20 May
SASSAN BEHNAM-BAKHTIAR: Ancient Persian motifs, patterns and landscapes are given a vibrant platform in the form of Sassan Benham Bakhtiar's large-scale paintings. See a first-person perspective on 21st century Iranian identity in Oneness Wholeness, an exhibition that recalls the artist's ancestral tribe, the nomadic Bakhtiari. Saatchi Gallery (Chelsea), free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 27 May
MURILLO IN PERSPECTIVE: It's been 400 years since Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was born, and to celebrate Instituto Cervantes is hosting a symposium examining the legacy of one of Spain's most celebrated artists. Hear from experts in the field, examine Murillo's drawings close up and round off the evening with a wine and tapas reception. Somerset House, £16, book ahead, 1pm-7pm
CHINA ON THE WESTERN FRONT: During the first world war, up 100,000 Chinese peasants were secretly shipped off to Europe to fight battles they didn't necessarily understand. Steven Lau, chair of the Ensuring We Remember Campaign, which is fighting for a permanent London memorial for The Chinese Labour Corps, leads this free talk on their vital contributions on the Western Front. The National Archives (Kew), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
CIGAR MASTERCLASS: Whether you're a seasoned smoker, or simply curious about cigars, Voltaire Bar has the evening for you. This masterclass will teach you how to pair expertly rolled Cuban cigars with all manner of gin-based drinks like a pro. Voltaire Bar (Blackfriars), £40, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
BEER AND BITES: From Californian-style IPAs, to a Bourbon maple stout, Fourpure has a beer to match any meal. Enjoy a special menu of six carefully curated dishes, each with their own hoppy counterpart at this food and beer pairing event. The King & Co (Clapham Common), £35, book ahead, 7pm-10.30pm
DINOSAUR DISCUSSION: Were dinosaurs too big? This evening debate isn't an exercise in Mesozoic era fat-shaming, but rather revolves around a lone scientist's highly controversial proposition that most, if not all, non-bird dinosaurs were too large to walk and therefore actually occupied an aquatic habit. Conway Hall (Holborn), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
DEVIL'S FAIRGROUND: The Grammy-nominated godfathers of alternative cabaret invite you to take a temptation-filled trip to the Devil's Fairground. Welcome to the twisted world of The Tiger Lillies, where pre-war Berlin cabaret meets anarchic opera and gypsy beats. Wilton's Music Hall (Whitechapel), £10, book ahead, 8pm, until 26 May
TRE VOCI: Be transported back to the Renaissance, as cello trio Tre Voci perform 15th century Franco-Flemish compositions in an Elizabethan Church. As it's their EP launch, they'll also perform their own works, featuring jazz pianist Kit Downes. The Old Church (Stoke Newington), £8, book ahead, 8pm-11pm
MISTRESS AND MISFIT: Shappi Khorsandi, comedian and star of the likes of Have I Got News For You and QI, would like to present to you England's unsung heroine and fellow naked table dancer, Lady Emma Hamilton. Discover the the story of the woman consigned to history merely as Nelson's mistress in this raucous reappraisal. Soho Theatre (Dean Street), from £9, book ahead, 9.15pm, until 19 May
Good cause of the dayFabric nightclub probably isn't your go-to destination for a quiet evening out, but this World Meditation Day you can experience a different kind of hedonism while helping to take care of the nation's mental health. Will Williams leads London's largest guided meditation session in aid of male suicide prevention charity CALM.
Fun things to do with our friends and sponsor Funzing...
A Secret London Tour
How well do you really know London? Visit the streets that inspired Harry Potter locations and see London's most superstitious hotel. On Matt's tour you will explore hidden places and discover stories unknown to even the most knowledgeable of Londoners. Get tickets
Lost London Walking Tour
London is a city of incredible transformation. With structural remains that date back to ancient history still in existence, this unique walking tour takes in Lost London in all its former glory. From the Titanic booking office to the graveyards of man's best friend, you'll discover the weird and wonderful places that used to exist in the capital but are now only committed to memory. Using old photographs, newspaper cuttings and stories from the past, you'll be amazed at what has largely been written out of our history books... Get tickets
Hidden London Tour
Visit old pubs, even older churches, hidden rivers, mysterious tunnels and more on this tour of hidden Londo. You'll hear tales of the myths and legends which made the City of London what it is today, and find out the area's links to nursery rhymes and literary figures. Get tickets
Forgotten Old London
Have you visited London's Roman ampitheatre? What about London's Medieval market places? Hear weird and wonderful tales of our beautiful city as you take a walking tour, seeing everything from centuries-old churches to the hanging place of William Wallace. Whether you've lived here all your life or are visiting for a few days, you're sure to learn something new about London. Get tickets
