Lyric Hammersmith reveals new productions for 2026

Three new productions will play at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre next year.

Artistic director Rachel O’Riordan has chosen three comedies, each set across a single day, which “invite audiences into vivid, pressurised worlds, and investigate how we both understand and misunderstand each other.”

Kicking off the season is the UK premiere of Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Jocelyn Bioh’s piece reunites the team behind School Girls, or, the African Mean Girls Play, including director Monique Touko.

It’ll feature a set designed by Paul Wills, wigs, hair and make-up design by Cynthia De La Rosa, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, sound design by Tony Gayle, movement direction by Kloé Dean, casting by Julia Horan and assistant direction by Gráinne Flynn.

A Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Madison Wells Live, and Chase This Productions co-production, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding will play from 18 March to 25 April 2026.

Next up is a contemporary production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. Marking the 100th anniversary since it was last performed at the Lyric, the revival will be directed by the Lyric’s associate director, Nicholai La Barrie. The classic comedy about affluent London will play from 8 May to 6 June 2026.

To conclude the announcement, Relics by Ben Ockrent will receive its world premiere. Michael Longhurst will direct the dark comedy that sees four siblings reunite to clean out their childhood home.

A Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production, in association with Francesca Moody Productions, Relics will play from 18 June to 18 July 2026.

O’Riordan said: “I’m excited today to be announcing a new season of three shows for 2026, which exemplify the true spirit of the Lyric: bold, entertaining stories which bring audiences into seemingly familiar settings, and then turn them on their heads… From a Harlem hair braiding salon, to the highest echelons of modern-day London, and a family home haunted by secrets: I cannot wait for audiences to see these worlds come to life on our beautiful stage.”

The Lyric’s 2026 season is supported by Mark and Sarah Crosbie.