Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Comes to Lyric Hammersmith
A Broadway Hit Arrives in London
Londoners looking for a fresh and vibrant night out now have a brilliant new reason to head west — and not just towards the glittering lights near Soho. The Lyric Hammersmith has just dropped the first trailer for its UK premiere production of Jaja's African Hair Braiding, the celebrated comedy penned by Jocelyn Bioh. The play arrives on British shores fresh from a triumphant Broadway run, where it earned multiple Tony Awards and extended its engagement several times over due to overwhelming audience demand. The newly released trailer offers an irresistible glimpse into the world of a buzzing Harlem hair salon, packed with personality, laughter, and warmth. For local theatregoers, this is one of the most anticipated london events of the season, offering a joyful and culturally rich evening of entertainment that the whole community can rally behind. The production is already running and will continue at the Lyric Hammersmith through to 25 April 2026, giving audiences plenty of time to snap up seats. Whether you are a seasoned theatre lover or simply looking for something uplifting and fun, this show promises to deliver on every level.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
One of the most exciting aspects of this London production is the remarkable talent assembled both on stage and behind the scenes. Writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko reunite after their previous acclaimed collaboration, bringing a confident and cohesive creative vision to the Lyric Hammersmith stage. The cast reads like a who's who of exciting British and international stage and screen performers. Zainab Jah leads the ensemble as the formidable Jaja, supported by a company that includes Renee Bailey, familiar to many from Call the Midwife, and Karene Peter, known to film fans from the celebrated British feature Rye Lane. Several cast members also appeared in the duo's earlier work, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, lending the production a strong sense of shared history and artistic cohesion. Behind the scenes, Paul Wills handles set design, Jessica Cabassa oversees costumes, and Cynthia De La Rosa leads the specialist wigs, hair, and makeup department — an especially fitting contribution given the show's salon setting. The Guardian awarded the production four stars, praising its crowd-pleasing energy and sharp comic timing, making it one of the must-see london attractions for theatre fans this year.
What the Story Is About and How to Book
Set over a single sweltering summer day inside a Harlem hair braiding salon, Jaja's African Hair Braiding is a comedy that brims with heart, humour, and humanity. As the air conditioning gives up the fight, the salon fills with a wonderfully colourful cast of customers and staff, each carrying their own secrets, dreams, and grievances. Friendships are tested, loyalties shift, and the bonds of sisterhood are both strained and ultimately celebrated — all against a backdrop of razor-sharp wit and infectious energy. It is the kind of storytelling that reminds audiences why live theatre remains such a vital and irreplaceable part of community life. For Londoners, supporting productions like this at local venues such as the Lyric Hammersmith is a meaningful way to engage with world-class art right on the doorstep. The theatre is easily accessible from across the city, making it a realistic destination for residents from all corners of the capital. Tickets are available now, with the show running until 25 April 2026. Given the buzz already surrounding this production and its award-winning pedigree, booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid missing out on one of London's most talked-about theatrical experiences of the year.
