English
English
1 hr 30 min with no interval
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until April 25, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 12+ yrs
from
£12.50
AboutVenueTickets
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
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- 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!
Lyric Hammersmith Read more
The Lyric Hammersmith theatre is a landmark venue with a history spanning more than 130 years. Originally opened in 1895, its ornate Victorian auditorium is preserved within a modern complex, blending old-world grandeur with contemporary design. With a seating capacity of around 600, the theatre has staged work from Harold Pinter, Tanika Gupta, Complicite, and Frantic Assembly, making it a hub for groundbreaking productions and new voices in London’s theatre scene.
The Lyric Hammersmith seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL, United Kingdom
- Tube: The nearest station to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is Hammersmith Station, located approximately 0.5 miles away.
- Bus: The Lyric Hammersmith is just 450 feet from Hammersmith bus station, which is served by both the District and Piccadilly lines.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, restaurant
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, assistive listening devices, access performances, accessible restrooms, companion seating, audio description
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’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions about Jaja's African Hair Braiding
How much do the Jaja's African Hair Braiding London tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is the play appropriate for?
The play is most suitable for children aged 12 and above.
Where is the show playing in London?
Jaja's African Hair Braiding is playing at Lyric Hammersmith in London.
What is the play about?
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.
What themes does the show explore?
Immigration, sisterhood, community, and ambition—all told through the lens of a lively Harlem hair braiding salon.
How long will the play run for?
The running time for the play is 90 mins with no intermission.
Can I buy food and drinks at the theatre?
Yes. You can enjoy refreshments before and after the performance at The Lyric Bar.