Directed by Gail Babb
Designed by Miriam Nabarro
Sound by Keyodeine
Light by Gillian Tan
“They will tell you that legal and illegal are the same as right and wrong. And I’ve told you that you only have to sit still for a moment and watch the pieces move to see what a lie that is.”
Written by former Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey (GrimeBoy, Birmingham Rep) and directed by award-winning theatre maker, Gail Babb (Stars, Tamasha – OFFIE’S Best New Play 2024), Please Do Not Touch is a brand-new co-production between China Plate and Belgrade Theatre.
An extension of Casey’s poetry collection of the same name, Please Do Not Touch follows the story of Mason, a social justice TikToker, as he visits heritage houses to uncover the true stories behind the objects that live within.
After an incident with a Somali Afro comb, Mason finds himself inside a Young Offender Institution. Now in the belly of the systems he is protesting, Mason uses the power of poetry to survive his ordeal and navigate how to keep speaking up when everything is designed to silence him.
This world premiere asks important questions about colonial legacy, contested heritage and how stories are told, whilst shining a light on the criminal justice system.
★★★★★ “Bailey’s gift for the written – and spoken – word is evident throughout the play, and the moments when poetry comes to the foreground align with moments of freedom, joy and power in Mason’s story.” – WarwickshireWhat’s On
★★★★★ “Please Do Not Touch is a powerful play and is well worth watching. At just over an hour, it is the perfect length, taking audiences on an emotional journey.” – Adventures in Theatreland
★★★★ “At a time when it feels as though theatre has lost its way as a vehicle for raising awareness of social issues, here’s a piece designed to do just that.” – The Reviews Hub
Interested in hearing more about Please Do Not Touch? Writer Casey Bailey and producer Jade Samuels recorded an episode for The Belgrade Pod; unpacking the show and its themes – you can listen via Spotify or Podbean.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, for making this project possible.
Photo © Nicola Young Photography