Jonathan Bailey withdraws from West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George after Ariana Grande exit

Jonathan Bailey has announced he is stepping away from the upcoming West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, weeks after co-star Ariana Grande withdrew from the production. 

The Bridgerton and Wicked star had been due to lead the Stephen Sondheim musical opposite Grande in a new production directed by Marianne Elliott at London’s Barbican. However, Bailey confirmed on social media that he has decided to leave the project, describing his support for Grande as “unwavering”. 

In a statement shared on Instagram Stories, Bailey wrote: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends.

“After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.”

The actor said the musical had been a “real passion project” and that he felt “incredibly lucky” to have been part of its development. He added that he was looking forward to seeing what the performers who eventually take on the lead roles would bring to the production. 

Grande announced her own departure from the show last month, with a representative saying the singer would be taking “a step back from visibility” after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Reports at the time linked the decision to ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the star. 

Following Bailey’s announcement, producers confirmed that work on the production would continue despite the loss of both original leads. In a statement, Empire Street Productions said casting discussions are actively underway and that the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the artistic vision of Sondheim and writer James Lapine’s acclaimed musical. 

The revival, which marks a major return of Sunday in the Park with George to the London stage, is still scheduled to go ahead at the Barbican, with further casting announcements expected in due course. 

Bailey and Grande were originally announced for the production earlier this year, reuniting after working together on the Wicked films. Their departures leave producers searching for new actors to take on the central roles of George and Dot in one of Sondheim’s most celebrated works.