In a world where theatres can, understandably, struggle to persuade audiences to part with their hard-earned cash, and where sell-out shows starring well-loved celebs are the surest source of income, Birmingham Hippodrome is to be congratulated on the efforts it makes to showcase new drama. Please Do Not Touch is one such production, brought to the Birmingham stage in association with local theatre makers China Plate and the Coventry Belgrade Theatre.

The work of Casey Bailey (writer, spoken-word artist & former Birmingham Poet Laureate) and directed by Gail Babb, Please Do Not Touch tells the tale of Mason (Selorm Adonu), a young TikTok-er who investigates the origins of items in historic houses, in order to expose the horrific consequences of colonialism and slavery, and then posts his findings online. At one such house, he takes a small item, a Somali afro comb, and is subsequently sentenced to serve time in a Young Offender Institution. Here, Mason must work out both how to survive in his new surroundings and how to fight his corner in a system that seems set on ignoring him.

The highlight of Please Do Not Touch is Selorm Adonu’s magnetic, physical and sensitive portrayal of Mason. It is a truly compelling performance. Adonu commands the stage as he slips easily between the roles of Mason, his parents and the prison guard. He expertly reveals the many sides of the lead character - the audacious and engaging activist, the fearful new prisoner, the intelligent young man whose life locked-up is made more bearable by access to the prison library, and whose frustration and anger when this is taken away from him is simply tragic.

Please Do Not Touch deals with themes as old as time, but as relevant today as they ever were. Justice and injustice, the abuse of power, the struggle for equality - the audience is confronted and challenged by some of the most troubling aspects of society. These themes are nothing new, and their treatment is not always fresh, but they are presented in a thought-provoking way. Bailey’s writing asks important questions about the legacy of colonialism and the effectiveness and purpose of the criminal justice system.

This is an absorbing tale, told with feeling and concern. In the cadence of the phrasing and the choice of expression, Bailey proves the power of the spoken word. It’s no surprise to learn that the original inspiration for this play was an earlier collection of his poetry. 

There are many reasons to recommend Please Do Not Touch - it is an engaging piece and a sharp reminder of the role that all members of society have to play in the need to challenge injustice. Above all, however, Selorm Adonu is surely one to watch, and his performance is not to be missed.

Four stars

Reviewed by Rachel Smith at Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 30 January 2026. Please Do Not Touch also shows at the venue on Saturday 31 January.