Jonathan Bailey Leaves 'Sunday In The Park With George' After Ariana Grande's Exit

Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the upcoming West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, following Ariana Grande's departure from the production in August.

Bailey announced his decision on 1 September, meaning both originally announced leads have now left the production. Bailey and Grande had been due to play George and Dot in Marianne Elliott's production at the Barbican in summer 2027, following their work together in the two-part Wicked film adaptation.

The withdrawal comes after Devyani Saltzman, the Barbican's former Director for Arts, left the organisation in May. Saltzman was instrumental in bringing Sunday in the Park with George to the venue, according to the Barbican. The centre says work on the production is continuing, with casting discussions under way and tickets due to go on sale in autumn 2026.

Bailey Confirms Departure

Bailey announced his withdrawal in a statement shared on Instagram Stories, saying he had made the decision 'after much consideration'.

The actor also addressed Grande's departure, describing her as one of his 'dearest friends' and saying his support for her was 'unwavering'. He praised Elliott as 'extraordinary' and one of his 'longest collaborators and friends'.

Bailey previously worked with Elliott on her 2018 West End revival of Sondheim's Company. He described Sunday in the Park with George as a 'real passion project' and said he looked forward to seeing the actors who eventually take on the roles of George and Dot.

The producers later confirmed his departure in a statement shared on X, saying that 'casting discussions are actively under way' as the production is reshaped around a new company.

Grande's Exit Came First

Grande announced her withdrawal on 2 August as she prepared to step back from public-facing work following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Her representative said the singer would take a break from public appearances after completing the tour, which ended in London on 1 September. Grande had been due to make her West End debut as Dot opposite Bailey's George.

Following her departure, producers said they understood and supported her decision and confirmed that the production would continue towards its planned summer 2027 opening.

Bailey's withdrawal means the production must now recast both leading roles. No replacements have yet been announced, with the Barbican saying further casting and production details will follow.

Barbican Leadership Change

Saltzman announced in February that she would leave her position as Director for Arts in May following an organisational transition at the Barbican. The centre said her departure followed two years in the role and that the position would not be replaced as it prepares for the first stage of its Barbican Renewal programme.

The Barbican said Saltzman had led a reset of its artistic vision and commissioning programme during her tenure. It also specifically credited her with helping bring Sunday in the Park with George to the venue.

The available statements do not link Saltzman's departure to Bailey's decision to withdraw, and Bailey has not given a reason beyond saying he made the decision after consideration.

The musical, which features music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, was inspired by Georges Seurat's painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The Barbican continues to list the production for summer 2027, with further casting and production details expected to be announced.