Jonathan Bailey exits West End show weeks after Ariana Grande
Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, weeks after his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande pulled out of the same production. In a September 1 Instagram statement, Bailey cited unwavering support for Grande and said he was stepping back from the Barbican Centre show originally set for summer 2027.
Bailey, 38, was cast as painter George Seurat opposite Grande, 33, as Dot. Their joint exit reshapes one of London's most anticipated musical revivals—and leaves producers scrambling to recast two marquee leads.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Bailey announced his exit from Sunday in the Park with George on September 1, 2026.
- The decision followed Ariana Grande's August withdrawal from the West End revival.
- Producers say casting discussions are underway and the show will continue.
- The pair previously starred together in Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
- Ticket sales had been paused until after Grande's Eternal Sunshine tour ended in London.
Why did Jonathan Bailey drop out of the West End musical?
Bailey shared his decision via Instagram Stories on Tuesday. "Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering," he wrote, according to Page Six.
"After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from 'Sunday in the Park with George,'" he continued. Bailey called the Stephen Sondheim musical a "passion project" and praised director Marianne Elliott as "extraordinary," per Deadline.
He noted the story's central bond between George and Dot, adding he looked forward to seeing what the replacement cast would create. Bailey wished the company well and said he would be "cheering them on."
What prompted Ariana Grande to step back from the spotlight?
Grande announced her withdrawal from the revival in August. Her spokesperson told People she planned to finish her Eternal Sunshine tour—concluding September 1 at London's O2 Arena—then take a break from public-facing work.
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny," the rep said.
Grande also will not appear in Season 13 of American Horror Story. Page Six reported she faced body-shaming after her July "Petal" music video. An insider said she hoped to spend more time with family, friends, and boyfriend Ricky Alvarez after months of touring and rehearsals.
What happens to 'Sunday in the Park with George' now?
Producers confirmed both stars' departures in a statement reported by WhatsOnStage. "Work on the production continues," they said. "Casting discussions are actively under way, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical."
The revival, directed by Marianne Elliott with design by Tom Scutt, would have marked the musical's first major London production in nearly two decades. Empire Street Productions and the Barbican Centre confirmed the project last year for a summer 2027 opening.
With both leads gone, the show's future casting and schedule remain uncertain. Producers had delayed ticket sales until after Grande's tour ended. Further details are expected in due course.
How are Bailey and Grande connected beyond this musical?
Bailey and Grande first shared the screen in Jon M. Chu's 2024 film Wicked, with Grande as Glinda and Bailey as Prince Fiyero. They reunited for the sequel, Wicked: For Good.
Last December, reports surfaced that the pair might re-team on Sunday in the Park with George. The Barbican confirmed the casting shortly after. Their parallel exits now end that planned reunion on the West End stage.
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