The three new productions are all comedies that are set across one day.
The Lyric Hammersmith’s Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan has announced details of three new productions taking to the theatre’s stage in 2026.
This newly announced season will begin with the UK premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Running from the 18th March until the 25th April 2026, the play is set in a Harlem braiding salon where the neighbourhoods ladies come and share things in their lives.
Next to head the Lyric Hammersmith stage will be a contemporary version of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, playing from the 8th May until the 6th June. Directed by Nicholai La Barrie, this revival marks the 100th anniversary since it was last performed at the Lyric.
Finally Ben Ockrent’s Relics will have its world premiere from 18th June to 18th July 2026. Directed by Michael Longhurst, this dark comedy sees four siblings reuniting to clear out their childhood home.
Talking about the news, Rachel 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.”
For further information visit: https://lyric.co.uk/