'Jaja’s African Hair Braiding' to return to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

The show reunites writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko following their collaboration on School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding will return to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London for a limited five-week run. The show will run from 28 January to 27 February 2027.

The show reunites writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko following their collaboration on School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Set in a bustling Harlem braiding salon, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding follows a lively group of West African immigrant braiders, exploring their dreams, desires, and challenges.

The Tony Award-winning play made its UK premiere at the venue in March 2026. In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said: "There’s giddy pleasure to be had from the celebration of sisterhood that allows for tenderness even when the women are tired – hands, in one instance, bleeding from the demands of the job. Our world at large may be unravelling, but this play’s intricate weave, for the most part, is just right."

Bioh said: "Words cannot begin to describe how thrilled I am that Jaja’s African Hair Braiding will be re-opening its shop doors once again at the Lyric Hammersmith! Under the stunning direction of my dear collaborator, Monique Touko, I was so moved by how much U.K. audiences embraced the play with so much love and admiration. In many ways, Jaja’s is about the power of community and I’m honored to feel like I am now a part of this beautiful U.K. theatre community.”

Touko said: “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is back by popular demand. It was an absolute honour to stage the UK premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s smash hit and welcome UK audiences into the shop earlier this year. To be back in such quick succession and re-engaging with audiences again is something I don’t take for granted, and I truly appreciate all the love and support that has already been expressed for the show. Round two at Lyric Hammersmith is testament to the work and it's power to unite and represent. Everyone is welcome back again to 2019's Harlem to listen, learn and laugh.”

The cast and full creative team are to be announced.

Check back for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Lyric Hammersmith earlier this year. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)