Ariana Grande pulls out of London production of Sunday In The Park With George

By Laura Harding, Press Association Entertainment Editor

Ariana Grande has pulled out of the upcoming London revival of Sunday In The Park With George, it has been announced.

The pop singer was due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s critically acclaimed musical at the Barbican in 2027.

The show will still go ahead as planned, and Grande’s part will be recast, production company Empire Street Productions said.

A statement to the Press Association said: “Empire Street Productions have said following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.

“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.

“We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”

The original musical, created by Sondheim and James Lapine, debuted on Broadway in 1984.

It is based on the Georges Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte.

It follows the story of a fictionalised Seurat as he tries to complete the portrait, showing challenges in understanding life and art, and exploring his relationship with his lover and muse, Dot.