Cast for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’s UK premiere revealed

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced casting for the UK premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. 

Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko, the play reunites the creative team behind School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, which was staged at the Lyric in 2023.

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding premiered on Broadway during Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2023–2024 season, where it received multiple awards recognition, including two Tony Awards, and later toured the US. The Lyric production marks the play’s first staging in the UK.

The cast includes Bola Akeju as Ndidi, Renee Bailey as Vanessa, Sheila and Radia, babirye bukilwa as Aminata, Zainab Jah as Jaja, Demmy Ladipo as James, Franklin, Olu and Eric, Dani Moseley as Michelle, Chrissy and Laniece, Sewa Zamba in their professional stage debut as Marie, Jadesola Odunjo as Miriam, Dolapo Oni as Bea and Karene Peter as Jennifer.

Set in a Harlem hair braiding salon over the course of one summer’s day, the play follows a group of West African immigrant braiders and their customers as they navigate work, relationships and personal ambitions.

The creative team includes set design by Paul Wills, wigs, hair and 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. Casting is by Julia Horan, with Xanthus as associate director and Gràinne Flynn as assistant director.

The production is a co-production between Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Madison Wells Live and Chase This Productions, with Joshua Berg Creative also co-producing.

It will run at the venue from Wednesday 18 March to Saturday 25 April 2026.