Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
By Jocelyn Bioh. Directed by Monique Touko.‘Are we making money today or what?’
Welcome to Jaja’s! This bustling Harlem braiding salon is where neighbourhood women come to have their greatest hairstyle dreams come true, all in the hands of a lively group of West African, immigrant braiders.
Across one hot summers day, these women experience everything in the pressure cooker of the sweltering shop: from demanding customers to secrets and lies, laughter and betrayal. But each of these women has big dreams as well, dreams which increasingly pit them against the city they call home.
The UK premiere of this Tony Award-winning comedy reunites the team behind smash-hit School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play in writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko.
This production is co-produced by Joshua Berg Creative.
The Lyric’s 2026 Season is supported by Mark & Sarah Crosbie.
Dates for your diary 
26 March
Join us for a post-show Q&A with playwright Jocelyn Bioh and the Lyric’s Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan
02 April
The evening’s performance will provide a welcome space for audiences with a shared lived experience to enjoy the show together, followed by a Q&A with director Monique Touko in conversation with the Lyric’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie. Then join us to celebrate the world of Jaja’s in the Lyric Bar with a DJ until 11pm.
Both events are open to all ticket holders of the evening’s performance (subject to availability)