Duration
2 hrs
Closing Date
Until April 25, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
Why Watch Jaja's African Hair Braiding?
- Harlem’s most vibrant hair salon becomes the stage for a single summer day filled with laughter, tension, and big dreams. This sharp comedy captures the resilience and humour of a close-knit community.
- Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, Tony-nominated for this work, joins forces again with director Monique Touko after their acclaimed hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.
- Expect vivid staging, from the salon’s buzzing atmosphere to the detailed wigs and braiding designs created by award-winning designers, bringing authenticity and flair to every scene.
- This is the UK premiere, running for a limited season at Lyric Hammersmith, a rare chance to catch the Broadway success off West End.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a comedy by Jocelyn Bioh that unfolds across a single, sweltering summer day in Harlem. The show premiered on Broadway in 2023, earning critical acclaim and a Tony nomination for Best Play, plus awards for costume and wig/hair design.
This Lyric Hammersmith production is directed by Monique Touko, reuniting the creative team from School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. This staging emphasises authenticity in costume, dialect, cultural references, and community, which are integral to the play.
Storyline
Inside Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, we meet a tight-knit crew of West African immigrant women whose day in the salon is anything but ordinary. As customers come and go, so do conversations that reveal hidden desires, fears, and conflicts. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding London tickets give you the chance to see how a community’s strength holds even when the pressures outside close in, and you’ll leave wondering which of their dreams will survive the heat.
Show timings
Show timings for Jaja's African Hair Braiding may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: TBD
Director: Monique Touko
Playwright: Jocelyn Bioh
Wigs, Hair & Make-Up design: Cynthia De La Rosa
Lighting design: Simisola Majekodunmi.
Sound design: Tony Gayle.
Movement direction: Kloé Dean.
Casting: Julia Horan.
Assistant direction: Gráinne Flynn.
Set designer: Paul Wills
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
First opening its doors in 1888, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's Frank Matcham-designed auditorium was dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick in the 1970s to save it from demolition. The Lyric is now housed within a sleek glass-and-steel complex that fuses Victorian elegance with modern design. Over the decades, the Lyric has been home to some of the most groundbreaking and beloved productions in British theatre. Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, premiered here in 1982, as did Bugsy Malone, which has become a staple of the theatre’s identity. The Lyric is also known for bold reimaginings of classic works, from Emma Rice’s vibrant Wise Children to radical new takes on Shakespeare and Greek tragedies. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL, UK
- By metro:
The nearest station to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is Hammersmith Station, located approximately 0.5 miles away.
- By train:
The nearest railway station is West Brompton Station, approximately 15 minutes away by taxi.
- By bus:
The Lyric Hammersmith is just 450 feet from Hammersmith bus station, which is served by both the District and Piccadilly lines.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Free parking, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Jaja's African Hair Braiding voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The play is most suitable for children aged 12 and above.
Jaja's African Hair Braiding is playing at Lyric Hammersmith in London.
It’s set in a bustling Harlem hair braiding salon, where a group of West African women and their customers navigate a sweltering day filled with secrets, humour, heartbreak, and dreams.
Immigration, sisterhood, community, and ambition—all told through the lens of a lively Harlem hair braiding salon.
The running time for the play is 90 mins with no intermission.
Yes. You can enjoy refreshments before and after the performance at The Lyric Bar.
