Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the upcoming production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in London, according to London Theatre. The actor’s exit follows the earlier departure of Ariana Grande from the same revival, as reported by Variety and The Independent.
Bailey was attached to the Stephen Sondheim musical, which had been scheduled for the Barbican. The producers have confirmed that the revival will continue despite the casting change, per Playbill. No replacement for Bailey has been announced in the available reporting.
The news comes after Grande, who had been linked to the production, also stepped away. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Bailey’s withdrawal comes “following Ariana Grande,” though neither outlet provides a specific reason for either exit. The Independent similarly frames Bailey’s decision as coming after Grande’s bow-out, but no further details on the causes have been made public.
Sunday in the Park with George, a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about the pointillist painter Georges Seurat, has been a sought-after title for London stages. The Barbican revival was expected to draw significant attention given the star power attached to both Bailey, known for Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers, and Grande, a pop star with recent film credits.
Producers have not yet indicated whether the production timeline will shift or if new casting announcements are imminent. The Barbican has not issued a separate statement in the material provided.
For now, the key question is who will step into the lead role—and whether the revival can maintain its planned schedule after losing two high-profile names in quick succession.
