We take a look at what critics have been saying about Jocelyn Bioh’s comedy, playing at the theatre until the 25th April.
The Guardian: **** “The politics – of hair and otherwise – is worn lightly until the abruptly sobering ending. Yet it remains a story about the strength of these women with a true sense of joy. You’d be hard-pressed to see anything else quite this alive and energised in the theatre.”
All That Dazzles: **** “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding shows a rich understanding of why workplace comedies can so often work so well. These are ordinary people, people we could come across at any moment and may well already know someone painfully similar to them, but the mix of specificity and broadness in their personas makes them easy to relate to, and difficult not to connect with. With a wonderful ensemble cast and a truly striking visual identity, this UK premiere proves again Jocelyn Bioh’s unique voice as a playwright, and will undoubtedly enchant all who attend.”
Lou Reviews: *** 1/2 “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding sparkles and shines where it needs to, offering big laughs and moments of poignancy.”
The Rendition: **** “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding feels timely, despite being set in 2019. Bioh’s play is joyous and inviting, and reminds us that community has the power to withstand the cruelty of a world set up against you. Through everything, the characters manage to constantly embrace one another, and it is a heart-warming reminder. Hilarious throughout, the vibe in Jaja’s is one that lingers slightly after you leave the Lyric Hammersmith, and is sure to lift your spirits.”
The Stage: **** “Jocelyn Bioh’s play, set in a hair salon, is full of vibrant characters whose stories leave us wanting more.”
Broadway World: **** “It would be hard to not fall for the charm of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. A celebration of femalehood, Black culture and community, it’s filled with a vibrant joy and celebration in part thanks to a cast who share a wonderful chemistry.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “Nonetheless, Bioh has a talent for creating authentic and culturally specific stories that resonate with all audiences. Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a celebration of sisterhood, community, and Black culture, and is a beautiful reminder of the safe space salons provide.”
The Live Review London: “Overall, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is a must see! It’s culturally competent, a lovely watch from characters, to dance breaks, themes and song choices. I loved how different African countries were included, but it was still so Harlem. I really want it to be a show on Netflix – I’d tune in every week.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Still, there’s giddy pleasure to be had from Beyoncé-style braids that here are tossed this way and that like a follicular whip, not to mention the celebration of sisterhood that allows for tenderness even when the women are tired – hands, in one instance, bleeding from the demands of the job. Our world at large may be unravelling, but this play’s intricate weave, for the most part, is just right.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “The direction from Monique Touko works hand in hand with Jocelyn Bioh’s writing, the two blending effortlessly to deliver a piece that is as entertaining as it is affecting.”
The Standard: *** “Bioh’s play highlights the dignity of hardscrabble labour and addresses the stories, specifically the female ones, behind the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the American right. “
To book tickets visit: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/jajas-african-hair-braiding/