London revival of Sondheim's 'Sunday in the Park With George' cancelled after lead exits
The planned 2027 London production of Stephen Sondheim's musical has been shelved after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey withdrew, with producers aiming to revisit the show in 2028.
Producers Empire Street Productions announced that the scheduled 2027 run of Stephen Sondheim’s "Sunday in the Park With George" at London’s Barbican will not go ahead after both Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey left the project. The company said it retains the rights to the musical and hopes to mount a new production in 2028.
Grande, who had been cast as Dot, withdrew as part of a broader decision to step back from public engagements following the conclusion of her recent tour. Empire Street issued a statement acknowledging her choice and offering support. Shortly thereafter, Bailey, slated to portray the painter Georges Seurat, also announced his departure, citing personal considerations and reaffirming his friendship with Grande.
Following the second exit, the producers indicated that the show is being “reshaped” and that casting discussions are ongoing. Ticket sale dates, which had already been postponed from May 2026 to summer 2026, will be further delayed pending the new plans.
The 1984 musical, with music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, last saw a major revival on Broadway in 2017. A planned transfer to London was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.