Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the London revival of “Sunday in the Park with George,” following the earlier exit of his co-star Ariana Grande, according to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Bailey Announces His Exit
Bailey, best known for “Bridgerton” and his role in the “Wicked” films, announced his decision to step back in a statement shared on social media Tuesday. He said the choice came “after much consideration” and did not give a specific reason for leaving.
He described the musical as a passion project and said he looks forward to seeing what the new cast brings to the roles, according to TheaterMania.
Follows Ariana Grande’s Departure
Bailey’s exit comes weeks after Grande, his former “Wicked” co-star, dropped out of the same production. Grande’s departure followed public concern from fans and peers about her health after the release of a recent music video, according to Variety, and she has said she plans to take an extended break from public facing work once her current tour wraps.
The two actors had been set to reunite on stage as George and Dot, the central characters in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.
Production Says It Will Continue
Empire Street Productions, the company behind the revival, confirmed the show will still move forward at London’s Barbican Centre despite losing both of its previously announced leads. “Work on the production continues,” the producers said in a statement reported by Variety, adding that casting discussions are underway.
The musical, based on the life of painter Georges Seurat and his famous work “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” premiered on Broadway in 1984 and has not had a major London production in nearly two decades. It is being directed by Marianne Elliott, with design by Tom Scutt.
A String of Cast Changes
The revival was originally seen as a major draw for London theatergoers given the star power of its two leads. With both actors now out, producers face the task of recasting the production’s central roles ahead of previews, which had been expected to begin in summer 2027.
Neither Bailey nor Grande has commented further on the specific circumstances behind their respective departures beyond their public statements.
