Tony-Winning ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ Unveils Full Cast for U.K. Bow (EXCLUSIVE)

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has unveiled the complete ensemble for the U.K. premiere of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” the Tony Award-winning Broadway comedy that will run at the London venue from March 18 through April 25.

Set in a bustling Harlem braiding salon, the comedy unfolds over one hot summer’s day as West African immigrant braiders serve neighborhood clients. The women navigate demanding customers, secrets and lies, laughter and betrayal, while grappling with their own aspirations in the city they call home.

The production reunites writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko, the creative duo behind the 2023 hit “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.”

Leading the cast are Bola Akeju (“School Girls”) as Ndidi, Zainab Jah (“Boesman and Lena”) as Jaja, and Renee Bailey (“Call the Midwife”) as Vanessa/Sheila/Radia. The ensemble also includes babirye bukilwa (“Dreaming Whilst Black”) as Aminata, Demmy Ladipo (“Barber Shop Chronicles”) as James/Franklin/Olu/Eric, Dani Moseley (“Dreaming Whilst Black”) as Michelle/Chrissy/Laniece, Jadesola Odunjo (“School Girls”) as Miriam, Dolapo Oni (“Iya-Ile”) as Bea, and Karene Peter (“Rye Lane”) as Jennifer. Sewa Zamba will make their professional stage debut as Marie.

“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” premiered on Broadway as part of Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2023-2024 season, where it became one of the most talked-about shows of the year. The limited run was extended twice and its final performances were live-streamed due to demand before launching a U.S. tour at the end of 2024. The production secured two Tony Awards and gained six nominations, while accumulating eight nominations across the Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

“It is the joy and honor of my life to have ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ make its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith under the incredible direction of Monique Touko,” Bioh said. “In many ways, this play is about the power of love and community – two things I felt exponentially after the overwhelming success of our production of ‘School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play’ in 2023. I’m thrilled to be working with much of the same creative team and I hope to bring more laughter, joy and connection to U.K. audiences again. I can’t wait to welcome them into the shop.”

Touko added: “To be bringing Jocelyn Bioh’s ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ to U.K. audiences is a real honor. Her stories contain heart, vibrancy and soul and populating this world was an absolute joy. We have assembled a talented bunch of actors from theatre and screen to bring Harlem to life in 2019 on one summers day. Meet our braiders and welcome to the shop.”

Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back writer Jocelyn Bioh and director Monique Touko – the talented duo behind the 2023 smash-hit ‘Schools Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play’ – for ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.’ I cannot wait for audiences to meet the wonderful cast as they laugh, hope and dream on our beautiful stage.”

The creative team includes 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. Julia Horan CDG serves as casting director, with Xanthus as associate director and Gràinne Flynn as assistant director.

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