Casting revealed for 'Jaja’s African Hair Braiding'

The comedy play focuses on the women who run a bustling Harlem braiding salon. Across one hot summers day, they experience everything from demanding customers to secrets, lies, laughter, and betrayal.

Summary

• Jaja’s African Hair Braiding premiered on Broadway in 2023
• The play now transfers to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
• Writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko reunite following School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play

Casting has been revealed for the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Performances begin at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 18 March, running through 25 April.

The cast includes Bola Akeju (School Girls) as Ndidi, Renee Bailey (Call the Midwife) as Vanessa/Sheila/Radia, babirye bukilwa (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Aminata, Zainab Jah (Boesman and Lena) as Jaja, Demmy Ladipo (Barber Shop Chronicles) as James/Franklin/Olu/Eric, Dani Moseley (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Michelle/Chrissy/Laniece, Sewa Zamba in their professional stage debut as Marie, Jadesola Odunjo (School Girls) as Miriam, Dolapo Oni (Iya-Ile) as Bea, and Karene Peter (Rye Lane) as Jennifer.

The comedy play focuses on the women who run a bustling Harlem braiding salon. Across one hot summers day, they experience everything from demanding customers to secrets, lies, laughter, and betrayal. But they have big dreams too.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding reunites writer Jocelyn Bioh (The Ladykillers Love Story, Nollywood Dreams) and director Monique Touko (Wedding Band, Marie and Rosetta) following their collaboration on School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.

Bioh said: "It is the joy and honour of my life to have Jaja's African Hair Braiding make its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith under the incredible direction of Monique Touko. In many ways, this play is about the power of love and community - two things I felt exponentially after the overwhelming success of our production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play in 2023. I'm thrilled to be working with much of the same creative team and I hope to bring more laughter, joy and connection to UK audiences again. I can't wait to welcome them into the shop!"

Touko said: “To be bringing Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja's African Hair Braiding to UK audiences is a real honour. Her stories contain heart, vibrancy and soul and populating this world was an absolute joy. We have assembled a talented bunch of actors from theatre and screen to bring Harlem to life in 2019 on one summers day. Meet our braiders and welcome to the shop.”

Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, added: “We’re delighted to welcome back writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko – the talented duo behind the 2023 smash-hit Schools Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play – for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. I cannot wait for audiences to meet the wonderful cast as they laugh, hope and dream on our beautiful stage.”

The creative team includes Set Design by Paul Wills, Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Design by Cynthia De La Rosa, Costume Design by Jessica Cabassa, Lighting Design by Simisola Majekodunmi, Sound Design by Tony Gayle, Video Design by Dick Straker, and Movement Direction by Kloé Dean.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding premiered on Broadway as part of the Manhattan Theatre Club's 2023–2024 season.

Book Jaja’s African Hair Braiding tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: artwork for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. (Photos by Chantel King / Bob King)