Jonathan Bailey has stepped away from the West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, just weeks after Ariana Grande also departed the Stephen Sondheim musical.
The actor shared the news on social media earlier today, describing the production as a “passion project” and voicing his steadfast support for Ms Grande and director Marianne Elliott.
“Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering,” Mr Bailey said.
“Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends.”
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He continued: “After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George.”
Ms Grande had left the project roughly a month ago.
The production had been confirmed in January, with Empire Street Productions and the Barbican Centre announcing that Mr Bailey and Ms Grande would headline the revival under Elliott’s direction, with performances scheduled to begin in summer 2027.
Deadline’s Baz Bamigboye had first reported the previous December that the pair were considering a collaboration on the Sondheim piece.
Prior to Ms Grande’s exit, producers had been holding off on releasing tickets for sale until after the conclusion of her tour, which wrapped up tonight at London’s O2 Arena.
The musical, which premiered in 1984, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama the following year.
In his full statement, Mr Bailey reflected on the musical’s themes, noting that the story examines “the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing”.
He expressed eagerness to witness what the eventual replacements would bring to those roles, saying he looked forward to seeing “what the team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it.”
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Mr Bailey also conveyed warm wishes for everyone involved in the staging.
“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,” he said.
Empire Street Productions confirmed Mr Bailey’s departure and indicated the revival remains in development.
“Further casting and production details will be announced in due course,” the company said in a statement posted to Instagram.
Nevertheless, the loss of both original leads casts significant uncertainty over the production’s future.
It is not yet clear who will step into the roles of George and Dot.
The Sondheim classic has previously attracted notable performers, including Mandy Patinkin, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Daniel Evans, to the part of George.
Production work continues with a tentative 2027 opening at the Barbican still the target.
Ms Grande’s departure came as part of a wider decision to take an extended break from public-facing work following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
The singer’s final performance at London’s O2 Arena on September 1st also marked the end of the tour, after which she planned to retreat from the spotlight.
Her representative previously said the star was looking forward to taking a “much-deserved break” from appearances following “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.
Ms Grande has faced intense public discussion surrounding her appearance and health, with the singer now stepping away from the visibility that has accompanied her recent work.
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