Fun in London this February 2013:
Discovery of a Dynamic Atmosphere at One of Saturn’s Moons, Enceladus, Charing Cross
There's nothing like getting the mind whirring at the beginning of the week than a large slice of astronomical chat. Professor Michele Dougherty from Imperial College London is doing just that at the Royal Society at 18:00 GMT on February 4th in a public lecture entitled Discovery of a Dynamic Atmosphere at One of Saturn's Moons, Enceladus.
Eneladus is the planet's sixth largest moon and the best chance humankind has of discovering life in the solar system beyond our planet. Professor Dougherty is the principal investigator for an instrument onboard NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which has been orbiting the moon since 2004. She will be discussing the revolutionary discoveries of the project during the hour-long event.
Crash Pad, London Bridge
Do you ever feel caught up in the moment, with an uncontrollable urge to channel your immediate surroundings and inner feelings through a sudden action? If so, you may want to try your hand at improv, an impromptu art form that can encompass acting, dancing, singing, playing a music instrument or just talking.
Hoopla is hosting a fun and friendly free improv night entitled Crash Pad at The Miller in London Bridge from 20:00 to 22:00 GMT on February 5th where you can see just what it's all about. There will be loads of short 15-minute shows with improvisers experimenting and trying out new formats. However, if you feel you can jump right in and perform, get in touch with Hoopla to book a spot, as it welcomes various levels of experience. Performers on the night so far include Anosmia Hoopies, Sector 2 and Durham Gang.
Bob Collins: Shooting Stars, Covent Garden
Portrait photography fans should take the opportunity on February 6th to head to the National Portrait Gallery in Covent Garden to see the free exhibition Bob Collins: Shooting Stars. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer haters can rest assured that it has nothing to do with the comedy duo and is rather a fantastic insight into the work of one of America's most famed photojournalists.
He worked in popular entertainment, documenting the rise to eminence of many singers and radio and television stars, including Tony Hancock, Shirley Bassey and Petula Clark. His selected works in the exhibition are made up of vintage prints, film negatives, colour transparencies and scrapbooks.
Stop, Drop & Roll Volume 4, Bethnal Green
Vinyl purists, ahoy! The Star of Bethnal Green is giving the opportunity for any wannabe throwback DJs of yesteryear to show its patrons how to spin some hits at Stop, Drop & Roll Volume 4. Hosted by Nadean D and Christopher F, the open deck night gives anyone the opportunity to bring down their records and play them to a dancing melange of pint swillers.
All you have to do is turn up with your vinyl on February 7th from 19:30 GMT, book a slot and then play your chosen songs (limited to four per person). Don't worry if you're embarrassed of your love for Michael Buble and Tina Turner, there's no music snobbery at the Star of Bethnal Green. Just good vibes, smiles and dancing.
Paddy Freeform, Hoxton
A new, free monthly club night has been launched in London's East End at the Zigfrid von Underbelly in Hoxton. Paddy Freeform will be taking up residency, providing a vibrant mix of disco, house, funk, soul and Freestyle grooves.
Head down on February 8th from 21:00 GMT where you can dance the night away until the lights come on at 03:00 GMT.
Meet Grace O'Malley, Greenwich
Those with a penchant for naval history should not miss the opportunity to meet one of the world's most notorious female pirates at the Old Royal Naval College on February 9th. Meet Grace O'Malley is an event that will take visitors to London back to the enthralling politics of 16th century, when the pirate queen was making a name for herself on the oceans.
She was widowed twice, imprisoned twice and condemned for her piracy. It was not until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I that she was officially pardoned in Greenwich. Arrive at the painted hall at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 or 15:00 GMT to here from the lady herself at this family-friendly show.
The Willows, Islington
There's no better way to conclude the week than with some chilled folk roots music, and The Willows can provide you with just that at their free evening at The Apple Tree in Islington.
The early evening show on February 10th is part of the Cambridgeshire-based band's debut album release tour. Beneath Our Humble Soil is set to hit the shelves the day after the gig at The Apple Tree, featuring a wonderful blend of Americana and UK folk sounds, complete with rich vocal harmonies and fantastic acoustic musicianship. Turn up at 16:00 GMT to catch the show, which should be all finished by 20:00 GMT.
