


Don’t miss Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, this two-time Tony-award-winning comedy by Jocelyn Bioh, set over the course of one hot summer day in Harlem. Book Jaja’s African Hair Braiding tickets on TodayTix.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a play about a spirited group of West African immigrant braiders as they work hard to keep their customers happy and, thus, keep business afloat, as well as their passions and dreams. However, as appointments pile up around them, secrets come flooding in, personalities clash, and the salon becomes fueled by laughter and difficult discussions, bringing hard feelings to the surface.
What begins as a workplace comedy turns into a reflection on love and belonging in a world that doesn’t often feel so loving. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is making its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, in all its sweet and funny glory, while giving weight to the heavy realities facing the women at its core.
1hr 30min. No interval.
Ages 14+.
18th March, 2026
25th April, 2026
By: Jocelyn Bioh
Director: Monique Touko
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: Hammersmith
Bus numbers: 190, 266, 267, 391, H91
Night bus numbers: N9, N11
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in London reunites writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko, the team behind School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, while bringing Bioh’s Broadway smash hit to the UK stage for the very first time. This play premiered on Broadway in 2023 and received five Tony Award nominations in 2024, winning two.
This production’s cast is led by Zainab Jah as Jaja and Sewa Zamba as Marie, accompanied as well by Dani Moseley, Renee Bailey, Babirye Bukilwa, Jadesola Odunjo, Dolapo Oni, Karene Peter, Bola Akeju, and Demmy Ladipo. It also features an impressive creative team: set dressing by Paul Wills, costuming by Jessica Cabassa, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, sound design by Tony Gayle, and wigs, hair, and make-up design by Cynthia De La Rosa.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is an incredibly warm, gorgeous night at the theatre with plenty of heart to go around. Audiences are sure to leave this show with a smile on their face and love in their hearts.
Don’t miss Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, an incredibly funny, beautiful, Tony-winning comedy about sisterhood and the difficulties of immigrant life as it makes its UK premiere.
Jaja's African Hair Braiding is at London's Lyric Hammersmith, which is located at King Street, Lyric Square, London, W6 0QL.
Check the top of this page for current availability on Jaja's African Hair Braiding tickets on TodayTix.
Jaja's African Hair Braiding runs for 1hr 30min. No interval.
Ages 14+.
Jocelyn Bioh wrote the play.
Monique Touko is the director.
This show is most appropriate for those ages 14 and over.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is phenomenal for those who enjoy rich, ensemble plays. It highlights its humour well without overshadowing the deeply human storylines that live with its characters.