Sunday in the Park cancelled after Grande, Bailey exit

The planned 2027 London revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Sunday in the Park with George" has been cancelled following the withdrawal of its two lead actors, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey. Production company Empire Street Productions confirmed the cancellation in a statement on Monday, September 14, 2026. The production was set to open at the Barbican Theatre in the summer of 2027, with director Marianne Elliott at the helm. It would have reunited Grande and Bailey, who starred together in the blockbuster "Wicked" films. However, the project unraveled after both actors departed. Grande announced in August 2026 that she was stepping back from the spotlight to take a break following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. A representative for the singer stated she was taking "a hiatus from the spotlight" and "a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances." At the time, Empire Street Productions said the show would continue and her role would be recast. Earlier this month, Bailey also withdrew from the production.