Plays

Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Welcome to Jaja's! The Tony Award-winning comedy about a bustling Harlem hair salon gets its UK premiere at Lyric Hammersmith. Book Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets for laughter, secrets, and the power of community.

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What is Jaja's African Hair Braiding about?

Welcome to Jaja's! This bustling Harlem braiding salon is where neighbourhood women come to have their greatest hairstyle dreams come true, all in the hands of a lively group of West African immigrant braiders. Across one hot summer's day, these women experience everything in the pressure cooker of the sweltering shop: from demanding customers to secrets and lies, laughter and betrayal. But each of these women has big dreams as well – dreams which increasingly pit them against the city they call home.

Book Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets for the UK premiere of Jocelyn Bioh's Tony Award-winning comedy, reuniting the team behind the smash-hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play!

Why should I book Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets?

This UK premiere reunites the creative team behind the Lyric Hammersmith's hit production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko deliver a joyous, razor-sharp comedy that celebrates community, resilience and the bonds between women. Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets offer a "portrayal of femininity rooted in the African experience" that puts Black women front and centre with joy, complexity and power.

The production won the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway, where it was praised for its warm humor and universal themes of belonging. Don't miss this strictly limited run at Lyric Hammersmith from March to April 2026!

Is Jaja's African Hair Braiding similar to other London plays?

Fans of Jocelyn Bioh's writing and sharp contemporary comedy may also enjoy other productions at Lyric Hammersmith, one of London's most innovative producing theatres.

Know before you go

What age is Jaja's African Hair Braiding suitable for?

Jaja's African Hair Braiding is recommended for ages 12 and above. The play contains mature themes, adult humor and some strong language appropriate to its setting and characters.

How long is Jaja's African Hair Braiding?

Running time to be confirmed. Book Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets now – the show runs 18 March to 25 April 2026!

How do I get to Lyric Hammersmith?

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is located on King Street, London W6 0QL. The nearest Underground station is Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines), approximately a 5-minute walk.

Visitor guidelines

Theatre Policies

Photography and recording are not permitted during Jaja's African Hair Braiding performances. Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent mode before the show begins.

Accessibility at Lyric Hammersmith

Lyric Hammersmith offers wheelchair access and accessible facilities. BSL-interpreted (7 April), Audio Described (14 April), and Captioned (16 April) performances are scheduled. A Chilled performance takes place on 8 April 2026.

Facilities

The theatre features a bar and café.

Cast and creatives

Who is in the Jaja's African Hair Braiding cast?

Full casting for the UK premiere will be announced. The play features an all-female ensemble playing the braiders and customers in Jaja's salon.

Who created Jaja's African Hair Braiding?

Jaja's African Hair Braiding is written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko. The creative team includes Set Design by Paul Wills, Wigs, Hair & Make-Up by Cynthia De La Rosa, Lighting by Simisola Majekodunmi, Sound by Tony Gayle, Movement Direction by Kloé Dean, and Casting by Julia Horan.

Awards

What awards has Jaja's African Hair Braiding won?

Jaja's African Hair Braiding won the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway. Writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko previously collaborated on School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play at Lyric Hammersmith, which was a critical and audience hit.

Opening times

Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm

Frequently asked questions

When is Jaja's African Hair Braiding in London?

Jaja's African Hair Braiding runs 18 March to 25 April 2026 at Lyric Hammersmith. Book tickets now!

Is this the UK premiere?

Yes! This is the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play following its Broadway success.

Who wrote Jaja's African Hair Braiding?

Jocelyn Bioh wrote the play. She also wrote School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.

Are there accessible performances?

Yes – BSL (7 April), Audio Described (14 April), Captioned (16 April) and Chilled (8 April) performances are scheduled.