The upcoming West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George has lost both of its main stars. Jonathan Bailey announced on September 1 that he is stepping away from the production, just weeks after his close friend and Wicked co-star Ariana Grande withdrew from the show.
Bailey, 38, shared the news on his Instagram Stories, explaining that his decision came after a lot of thought. He made it clear that his choice is deeply connected to his friendship with Grande, 33.
“Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering,” Bailey wrote in his statement.
The Bridgerton star had been set to play the lead role of painter George Seurat, with Grande cast as his mistress, Dot.The production was scheduled to open at London’s Barbican Centre in summer 2027 under the direction of Marianne Elliott.
Bailey Calls the Musical a Passion Project
In his announcement, Bailey described Sunday in the Park with George as a project that meant a lot to him personally.
“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team,” he said.
He also reflected on the story at the heart of the musical, which explores the deep connection between George and Dot. Bailey expressed excitement about seeing how the new actors who take over the roles will bring those characters to life.
“Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it.”
Bailey ended his statement by wishing the entire company well and said he would be cheering them on from the sidelines.
Why Ariana Grande Left the Production First
Grande announced her departure from the musical in August 2026. At the time, her representative said the singer planned to take a step back from public-facing work after finishing her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
The tour’s final show took place in London on September 1, the same day Bailey announced his own exit.
Her decision came amid growing public concern and scrutiny over her health and appearance. Grande’s team said she was looking forward to finishing the tour on a high note and then taking a well-deserved break from the spotlight.
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The Show Will Move Forward Without Them
Despite losing both of its headlining stars, the revival of Sunday in the Park with George will continue as planned.
Producers confirmed Bailey’s departure in a statement and stressed that work on the production is still moving forward.
“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 producers said.
The musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 1984, won two Tony Awards and starred Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters in the original production.It is based on the famous Georges Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and follows a fictionalized version of the painter’s life, his creative struggles, and his relationship with his mistress Dot.
The producers have not yet announced who will replace Bailey and Grande. Further casting details are expected to be shared in the coming months.
Bailey and Grande previously worked together in the Wicked film franchise, where he played Fiyero and she played Glinda. This stage revival would have marked their first live reunion since those movies. But with both stars now out, the production team is focused on finding a new cast to bring the Sondheim classic back to the London stage.
Also Read: Jonathan Bailey Returns as Anthony Bridgerton in New ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 Photos
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