Jonathan Bailey quits Sunday In The Park With George after Ariana Grande exit
Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande are out of ‘Sunday In The Park’ (Image: Getty Images)
Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the planned West End revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine show Sunday in the Park with George, weeks after Ariana Grande exited the production.
In a statement on his Instagram Stories, the Wicked actor confirmed his exit, while wishing the production well and promising to be “cheering them on”.
Bailey, 38, wrote: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.” He added: “After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George.”
He also called the musical “a real passion project”, saying he felt “incredibly lucky” to have been part of its journey and that he looked forward to seeing what the next actors in the roles would create.
The show must go on
The revival is planned for the Barbican Centre in London in summer 2027.
Grande, 33, previously withdrew as part of a decision to take a step back from visibility after her Eternal Sunshine tour.
A representative for Empire Street Productions said: “Work on the production continues.” They added: “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.”
Casting decisions will be announced at a later date.
Delays to the production
Bailey and Grande were set to reunite live on stage after co-starring in Wicked as Fiyero and Glinda respectively, with Bailey due to play painter George Seurat opposite Grande as Dot (and Marie), as previously announced.
Tickets have not yet gone on sale, and the on-sale dates have already been pushed back twice, originally slated for May 2026 and later delayed to summer 2026.
Fans have shared their thoughts online. One said on X: “This casting was too good to be true. Jonathan and Ariana on a West End stage would have been everything.”
Another said: “A tough decision, but friendship and standing by the people you love come first. Wishing Jonathan and Ari nothing but the best.”
Meanwhile, others wondered if there was more to the story, given his mention of his “unwavering” support for Grande.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
