• Venue Lyric Hammersmith, London
  • Performance dates 28 January 2027 - 27 February 2027
  • Age guidelines 14+

Tony Award-winning comedy Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is returning to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for a strictly limited five-week run between 28 January and 27 February 2027.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in London

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is set across one hot summer day in a bustling Harlem braiding salon. The story follows a lively group of West African immigrant braiders as they contend with demanding customers, secrets, lies, laughter and betrayal, all while pursuing dreams that put them at odds with the city they call home.

The play is written by Jocelyn Bioh (Merry Wives, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Monique Touko (Wedding Band, Marie and Rosetta) – reuniting the pair after their smash-hit collaboration on School Girls. It returns to the Lyric Hammersmith in 2027 following the show’s critically acclaimed, sell-out UK premiere at the same venue in March 2026.

The production premiered on Broadway as part of Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2023–2024 season, where it was extended twice and had performances live-streamed due to demand, before going on to a US tour. It also won two Tony Awards from six nominations, and received eight further nominations across the Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

What to expect

Step inside a lively Harlem salon where the hair is braided fast, but the gossip travels faster. The show focuses on a vibrant, funny and moving day-in-the-life story set inside the hair braiding salon.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding  is a vibrant, rhythmic and heart-filled celebration of identity captivated audiences and critics alike during its London engagement. It has been brought to the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team behind its acclaimed Broadway run, and casting for this run yet to be announced.

Book Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Tickets

This is a strictly limited five-week season, running from 28 January until 27 February 2027 at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, so it is worth booking tickets as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out.

What is Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is about a 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 summers 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.

★★★★
“Crowd-pleasing energy, charisma and expert comic timing”
The Guardian
★★★★
“Buoyant and bursting with heart”
London Theatre
★★★★
“A hilarious and moving play”
What's On Stage

Videos & Photos

Performance Information

Tickets by Month
Jan 2027
Feb 2027

Stars and Creatives

Who are the creative team of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding?

  • Written by Jocelyn Bioh
  • Directed by Monique Touko

Important Notes

Access performances

  • Audio Described Performance: Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 7.30pm (Touch Tour 6pm)
  • BSL Performance: Tuesday 07 April 2026 at 7.30pm
  • Chilled Performance: Wednesday 08 April 2026 at 2.30pm
  • Open Captioned Performance: Thursday 16 April 2026 at 7.30pm

Venue Information

Lyric Hammersmith , King Street, London, W6 0QL

Nearest Tube or Train: Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City)

Nearest Buses: 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91, N9, N11, N266

Directions

Google Apple

Critics' reviews of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

★★★★ “Crowd-pleasing energy, charisma and expert comic timing” The Guardian

★★★★ “Full of vibrant characters whose stories leave us wanting more” The Stage

★★★★ “Buoyant and bursting with heart” London Theatre

★★★★ “A hilarious and moving play” What's On Stage

★★★★ “A fast-talking joy” The Arts Desk

★★★★ “A wonderful ensemble cast” All That Dazzles

★★★★ “Filled with a vibrant joy” Broadway World

Frequently Asked Questions

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith in London
The age recommendations for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding are: 14+
To buy official London Theatre tickets to Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, click on the Get Tickets button at the top of this page. You will be able to access the booking calendar to check live ticket availability and prices and see any exclusive offers or discounts. You will be purchasing tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
Yes, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding has matinee performances on the following days:

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