Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced the return of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, which will run from 28 January to 27 February 2027.
The production returns for a five-week season following its critically acclaimed UK premiere at the venue in March 2026.
Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko, the production reunites the creative team behind the hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Casting and the full creative team will be announced at a later date.
Set in a bustling Harlem hair braiding salon, the play follows a lively group of West African immigrant braiders and their customers over the course of a sweltering summer day.
As tensions rise inside the shop, the women navigate demanding clients, secrets, betrayals, laughter and personal ambitions, while confronting dreams that increasingly challenge their place in the city they call home.
Jocelyn 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.”
Monique 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.”
Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, added: “We’re incredibly excited to have Jaja’s African Hair Braiding return to the Lyric in 2027, and to have Jocelyn and Monique’s work back on our stage. The success of this production and the excitement of audiences proved how powerful this story is and we cannot wait to see the spirit of Jaja’s world reignited in 2027.”
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding premiered on Broadway during Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2023-24 season and quickly became one of the most talked-about productions of the year. The run was extended twice, with several final performances livestreamed due to demand, before embarking on a US tour.
The production won two Tony Awards and received multiple nominations across the Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards.
The London return is a co-production between Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Madison Wells Live and Chase This Productions.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
