Ariana Grande has pulled out of the London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday In The Park With George, the Barbican Centre confirmed on Sunday, saying the singer will take a step back from public-facing work after completing her current tour.
The production — due to open at the Barbican in summer 2027 — will proceed as planned with Jonathan Bailey still attached to star and Marianne Elliott listed as director, but Grande’s role will now be recast, Empire Street Productions said.
“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour… She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances,”
The statement, provided to the press by Grande’s representatives, cited the desire to avoid ongoing scrutiny that often accompanies a high-profile public life as a reason for the decision. The singer is due to complete the current Eternal Sunshine tour with a run in the UK, including a 10-night residency at London’s The O2 in August and early September.
Barbican responds and casting plans
A Barbican spokesman confirmed they had been informed of Grande’s decision and said the theatre, along with Empire Street Productions, supported her choice and wished her “nothing but the best”. The statement also made clear that further casting information and ticket details will be announced in due course.
The production retains its announced creative leads and at least one high-profile cast member: Jonathan Bailey remains attached to the revival. Marianne Elliott, the acclaimed director, is still named to direct the staging.
- Production: Sunday In The Park With George (Stephen Sondheim)
- Venue: Barbican Centre, London
- Opening season: Summer 2027
- Director: Marianne Elliott
- Star: Jonathan Bailey (still attached); Ariana Grande’s role to be recast
The original musical, co-created by Sondheim and James Lapine, opened on Broadway in 1984 and is inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It follows the fictionalised artist Georges Seurat as he navigates the challenges of life, love and artistic ambition.
What this means for London audiences
For London theatre-goers and those who were anticipating Grande’s appearance, the immediate implications are practical: tickets already on sale may remain valid, but the production company has indicated casting announcements will follow and public information on ticketing will be updated. The Barbican’s statement said details about how to buy tickets would be announced soon.
Theatre producers often carry contingency plans for high-profile withdrawals, either by recasting with another well-known performer or with a seasoned West End actor. Empire Street Productions emphasised that the show will go ahead as planned, signalling confidence in the production’s broader creative team and cast.
Grande’s other projects and next steps
Grande’s team noted she will be seen in upcoming screen projects, including the comedy Focker-In-Law, due for release in November, and the animated adaptation of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! scheduled for March 2028. It is not yet clear whether she will take part in promotional activity for those films while stepping back from public visibility.
For now, the focus locally is on the Barbican and the reshaping of its summer 2027 season. The theatre’s reassurance that preparations are continuing suggests audiences can expect a fully staged revival, even as one of the initially announced names withdraws.
Further details about casting, tickets and rehearsal timelines are awaited from Empire Street Productions and the Barbican. The centre said it hoped to welcome Grande back to the venue “one day when the time is right”.
