London musical cancelled after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey drop out

The London revival of Sunday in the Park with George has been officially cancelled following the departure of Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey.

The Wicked co-stars were set to reunite on the London stage next year in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical at London's Barbican.

However, Grande pulled out as part of her decision to "step back from visibility", and Bailey followed suit shortly after.

As a result, producers of the revival confirmed on Monday it would no longer go ahead in 2027.

"The planned 2027 production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican will no longer proceed as scheduled," the statement reads. "Empire Street Productions will retain the rights with a view to presenting the production in 2028. Further details will be announced in due course."

Grande and Bailey delighted musical theatre fans when they confirmed the casting rumours in January.

The Thank U, Next pop star then announced in August that she had withdrawn from the role to have "a much-deserved break from public-facing work".

At the time, a spokesperson for Empire Street Productions said Grande had their "complete understanding and support" and that the production would open in summer 2027 "as planned".

However, earlier this month, Bailey confirmed he would no longer play George in the production.

"Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. (Director) Marianne (Elliott) is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends," Bailey said in a statement on social media. "After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George."

"I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production."

This is not the first time a Sunday in the Park with George revival has faced delays in London. A previous production, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford, was postponed indefinitely during the Covid-19 pandemic.