Jonathan Bailey drops out of London revival of Sunday In The Park With George

Jonathan Bailey has dropped out of the London revival of Sunday In The Park With George following the exit of co-star Ariana Grande.

A month ago, it was announced that Grande, 33, would be taking a step back from the public eye, which included stepping down from starring in the revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical.

She had been due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star in the production, directed by Marianne Elliott and due to play at the Barbican in 2027.

Although it was initially announced the show would still go ahead as planned with Bailey starring and Grande’s part to be recast, he has now announced his exit as well.

Bailey was initially thought to be continuing in his role (Ian West/PA)

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In a statement shared on social media, the 38-year-old wrote: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends. After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George.

“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team. Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it.”

He added: “I wish the very best to the entire company with what will no doubt be an incredible production, and I will be cheering them on as they continue this journey.”

A representative for Empire Street Productions said in a statement to the Press Association: “Following Ariana Grande’s withdrawal, Jonathan Bailey has informed the producers that he has also decided to step back from Sunday In The Park With George.

“Work on the production continues. Casting discussions are actively under way, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical.”

Bailey had been due to star alongside Ariana Grande, who also left the show last month (Sthanlee Mirador/PA)

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They added that further casting and production details “will be announced in due course”.

At the time that Grande stepped down, a representative for the Barbican said: “On Sunday evening, Ariana Grande’s team shared the news that she has made the difficult decision to step back from our production of Sunday In The Park With George.

“She makes this with unreserved understanding and support from Empire Street Productions and everyone at the Barbican.

“We wish her nothing but the best for the rest of her tour and for the future, and sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right.”