Jaja's African Hair Braiding Review: a warm and quietly powerful salon comedy
- Emma Knott
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
27 March 2026 I 19:00 I Lyric Hammersmith, London
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
Set within a bustling Harlem hair salon, Jaja's African Hair Braiding arrives at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for its UK premiere, following a hugely successful, Tony Award-winning Broadway run. Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko, the play immerses audiences into a vibrant community of West African immigrant women, whose lives intersect over the course of a sweltering summer day. But beneath the laughter lies a sharp dialogue, exploring identity, ambition and the realities of pursuing a better life away from home, in both an entertaining and quietly powerful piece of theatre.
A sense of immersion is carried by an exceptional cast, each performer given the chance to shine. At the heart of the salon are the core braiders Ndidi (Bola Akeju), Miriam (Jadesola Odunjo), Bea (Dolapo Oni) and Aminata (babirye bukilwa), alongside receptionist and Jaja's daughter Marie (Sewa Zamba). All characters are afforded depth, where there individual stories are brought to the spotlight, foregrounding the diversities of the immigration journey.
Supporting them is a quartet of actors who multi-role clients that enter the salon, with Dani Moseley and Demmy Ladipo (the show's only male performer) seamlessly shifting between characters in impressive versatility. We finally meet Jaja, the salon's formidable owner, delivered with commanding presence by Zainab Jah. Together, this sensational ensemble bounce off one another with natural chemistry.
A vibrant design, brought to life by Paul Wills, is dynamic as audiences are first met with the exterior of the salon, rotating on a turntable to invite us inside, shifting between street scenes and intimate conversations within the salon. The space feels instantly authentic: busy, colourful and full of life that becomes not just a workplace, but a sanctuary. A constant flow of clients brings a fresh energy, in a rhythm that steadily carries the show.
Cynthia De La Rose deserves recognition for her outstanding wigs, hair and make-up design, grounding the core of the narrative. So deeply rooted in the culture and craft of hair braiding, every hairstyle is intricately considered to reflect one's personality, from the bold and expressive to understated looks. There is a lived-in authenticity, enhancing the show's visual richness and the meaning of identity for Black women in America. Jessica Cabassa's costume designs are equally inspiring in their everyday realism that allows viewers to relate on a personal level.
The soundtrack, curated by Tony Gayle, is magnificent to boost the storytelling (available to listen on Spotify). Each song is carefully chosen beyond simply an underscore for the salon, leaning into the music's energy and cultural influence. The tone of the play is utterly contagious as the cast break into well-timed dance breaks, providing a release from emotional scenes to give us space to breathe and smile. Even to move along with the rhythm in our seats!
Jaja's African Hair Braiding is a special production, offering the London theatre scene vital representation and a remarkable ensemble of predominately Black female talent. It shines a light on important hardships, culminating in a shocking twist that feels all too relevant in today's social climate. Across musical interludes, Bioh's writing is both warm and weighted, engaging for those wishing to connect, and also an open invitation to those less familiar. Until the 25th April, an evening that traverses friendships and personal ambition is not to be missed, and I hope to see a West End transfer in the not-too-distant future!
Lyric Hammersmith Information & Tickets: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/jajas-african-hair-braiding/
