Get a 1st Look at the U.K. Premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding | Playbill
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Get a 1st Look at the U.K. Premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Jocelyn Bioh's play has crossed the pond to the Lyric Hammersmith.

March 25, 2026 By Logan Culwell-Block

Sewa Zamba, Karene Peter, Jadesola Odunjo, babirye bukilwa, and Bola Akeju in Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Manuel Harlan)

Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is currently making its U.K. premiere at London's Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, and newly released production shots are offering a first look at the new staging. Take a look in the gallery below.

Monique Touko (Wedding Band) is at the helm of the new production, running through April 25. March 27 is opening night.

The work, which premiered on Broadway via Manhattan Theatre Club in 2023, follows the trials and tribulations of the workers and clients of a Harlem African hair braiding salon. The Broadway production won two Tony Awards, and spawned a U.S. tour in 2024.

The London bow stars Bola Akeju (School Girls) as Ndidi; Renee Bailey (Call the Midwife) as Vanessa, Sheila, and Radia; babirye bukilwa (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Aminata; Zainab Jah (Boesman and Lena) as Jaja; Demmy Ladipo (Barber Shop Chronicles) as James, Franklin, Olu, and Eric; Dani Moseley (Dreaming Whilst Black) as Michelle, Chrissy, and Laniece; Sewa Zamba as Marie; Jadesola Odunjo (School Girls) as Miriam; Dolapo Oni (Iya-Ile) as Bea; and Karene Peter (Rye Lane) as Jennifer. Casting is by Julia Horan.

The production also features set design by Paul Wills; wigs, hair, and makeup 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. The creative team also includes associate director Xanthus and assistant director Gráinne Flynn. Suzanne Scotcher is the wigs, hair, and makeup supervisor, and Teváe Humphrey serves as the wigs, hair, and makeup department head.

The London premiere is produced by Lyric Hammersmith, Madison Wells Live, and Chase This Productions.

Tickets are at Lyric.co.uk.

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