The Yard Theatre in Hackney is more than a theatre - it's a community hub, music venue, bar and space for radical expression. Their new season of performance NOW 18 kicks off with some incredible work - we hear from Artistic Director and Run Riot Guest Editor, Jay Miller about the East London space and its ambitions. He also curates a selection from NOW 18 for you, to spark debate and stimulate from The Yard's unconventional stage.

Talking of radical performance - the Barbican's Director of Arts, Louise Jeffreys writes for us on The Art of Change, a rule-bending season of events celebrating those who kick against the mainstream. And performance artist Vijay Patel talks about what it means to be queer, Asian British and an 'Aspie' making work in the UK today. Racheal Ofori writes about her work 'So Many Reasons' at Camden People's Theatre - a celebration of sexuality and bodies, feminism and being brought up by a first-generation immigrant mother.

For more culture gems and competitions - browse our Offers page. As for the best of the rest - rummage through our genre-bending pages where you'll find plenty of haut happenings.

Here's to wishing you a defiant week dear Players! Kick against the pricks! RR xx