The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London has released the first production trailer for the UK premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s Tony Award-winning comedy Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
The play, which is currently running until 25 April 2026, arrives in London following a sensational Broadway run that saw multiple extensions and two Tony Award wins.
Check live availability and book tickets to Jaja’s African Hair Braiding here.
Watch the trailer
The newly released footage offers a high-energy look at the bustling Harlem salon, where women gather to have their hair transformed by a lively group of West African immigrant braiders.
A powerhouse creative team
The UK premiere reunites the powerhouse creative duo of writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko, who also collaborated on Bioh’s play School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.
The London production has received a range of positive reviews, including four stars from The Guardian, which said the show boasts “crowd-pleasing energy, charisma and expert comic timing”.
The London cast
The production features a star-studded ensemble of stage and screen talent:
- Zainab Jah (Boesman and Lena) as Jaja
- Sewa Zamba as Marie
- Bola Akeju (School Girls…) as Ndidi
- babirye bukilwa (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Aminata
- Dolapo Oni (Iya-Ile) as Bea
- Jadesola Odunjo (School Girls…) as Miriam
- Demmy Ladipo (Barber Shop Chronicles) as James/Franklin/Olu/Eric
- Renee Bailey (Call the Midwife) as Vanessa/Sheila/Radia
- Dani Moseley (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Michelle/Chrissy/Laniece
- Karene Peter (Rye Lane) as Jennifer
About the show
Set across one sweltering summer day in Harlem, as the air conditioning fails and the shop fills with life, the women navigate demanding customers, deep-seated secrets, and the shifting lines of betrayal and sisterhood.
The production features set design by Paul Wills, costume design by Jessica Cabassa, and wigs, hair and makeup (WHAM) design by Cynthia De La Rosa.
Plan your visit
- Venue: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London
- Dates: Playing now until 25 April 2026
- Tickets: Book tickets for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding here
Lyric Hammersmith, London
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