Jonathan Bailey withdraws from Sunday in the Park with George revival at Barbican
Jonathan Bailey has pulled out of the planned 2027 Barbican revival of Sunday in the Park with George, weeks after Ariana Grande also left the production. The musical, directed by Marianne Elliott, was a highly anticipated return of Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated work.
Jonathan Bailey officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Sunday in the Park with George revival on social media, expressing support for Ariana Grande, who had previously exited the show. He described the musical as a “real passion project” and praised the creative team and his fellow collaborators.
The production, scheduled for the Barbican in the summer of 2027, is directed by Marianne Elliott with design by Tom Scutt, whose recent work on Sondheim’s Into the Woods has received acclaim. Elliott is noted for her acclaimed revivals, including the celebrated production of Company.
Sunday in the Park with George features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. It draws inspiration from the life of Georges Seurat, the painter behind the landmark canvas A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The musical has not enjoyed a major London production for nearly twenty years.
Bailey highlighted the story’s exploration of the deep connection between the characters George and Dot, noting his excitement to see which actors would succeed him and Grande in these roles. “I wish the very best to the entire company,” he said, acknowledging the show’s ongoing creative journey.
The producers also released a statement regarding the cast changes, although details on replacements have yet to be confirmed. The future of the production’s casting remains to be announced.
This revival was set to mark a significant moment for London theatre, returning a complex and introspective Sondheim musical to the stage after a long absence. Its development continues amid these unexpected casting shifts.
