Jonathan Bailey exits 'West End' show after Ariana Grande’s departure

Jonathan Bailey has exited the 'West End' revival of Sunday in the Park with George after Ariana Grande left the show

Jonathan Bailey has exited the upcoming West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, following Ariana Grande’s departure from the production.

Bailey and Grande were expected to reunite on stage after starring together in the Wicked films. Bailey was set to play painter George Seurat, while Grande was cast as Dot and Marie in the Stephen Sondheim musical.

Grande announced her decision to leave the production last month, saying she planned to take “a step back from visibility” after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour in London.

Bailey confirmed his departure in a statement, describing the musical as a passion project and calling Grande one of his “dearest friends”. He also praised the production team and expressed his support for the actors who will take over the roles.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team,” Bailey said, adding that he looked forward to seeing how the new cast would approach the characters of George and Dot.

Despite the departures of both Wicked stars, Sunday in the Park with George will continue as planned at London’s Barbican Centre. Producer Empire Street Productions said casting discussions are underway and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company.

The revival will be directed by Marianne Elliott and is scheduled to open early next summer. The producers said the new cast will be announced in due course.

The musical, written by Sondheim with a book by James Lapine, centres on the relationship between artist George Seurat and Dot and explores themes of art, relationships and creative ambition.