Role: Director
“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.”
An extension of Casey Bailey’s poetry collection of the same name, Please Do Not Touch follows the story of Mason, a social justice activist, 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, he uses poetry to survive his ordeal and navigate how to keep speaking up when everything is designed to silence him.
Photography: Nicola Young
Please Do Not Touch has a heart and a brain, it is thoughtfully written, sensitively performed and beautifully staged. Recommended.”
British Theatre Guide, Andrew Cowie, September 2024
It’s my first time in the theatre and I feel like it’s my next new thing now. I don’t even wanna go to a cinema anymore.”
Audience Member, September 2024
a powerful and innovative solo performance” ★★★★★
What’s On Warwickshire, September 2024
Team Credits:
Writer: Casey Bailey, Director: Gail Babb, Designer: Miriam Nabarro, Sound Designer: Kayodeine, Lighting Designer: Gillian Tan, Associate Lighting Designer: Jodi Rabinowitz, Movement Director: Keiren Hamilton-Amos, Dramaturg: Yaël Shavit, Associate Producer (China Plate): Jade Samuels, Company Stage Manager: Emily Davies, Executive Producer (China Plate): Paul Warwick, Producer (Belgrade Theatre): James Ashfield, Production Manager (Belgrade Theatre): Rob Wimperis, Wardrobe Supervisor (Belgrade Theatre): Naomi Thompson, LX Op (Belgrade Theatre): Rob Coates, Stage Crew (Belgrade Theatre): Seth Blackburn, Creative Associate (Belgrade Theatre): Kritika Agarwal, Engagement Facilitator: Adaya Henry, Touring Production Manager: Terry Lee Dickson, Technical Assistant Stage Manager (Touring): Maddy Wade, Producing Assistant: Maya Shah
Actor: Tijan Sarr
Voiceovers: Jade Samuels (Radio Presenter), Corey Campbell (Marsh/Anson), Paul Warwick (Judge)