The dazzling duo from the upcoming Wicked film, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, are set to enchant audiences once more, this time on the historic London stage. In a highly anticipated announcement, the Hollywood stars confirmed their reunion for a major revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George. This exciting news marks a significant moment for theatre enthusiasts and fans of both actors, promising an unforgettable theatrical experience in the heart of the West End.
Rumours about this dream casting had been swirling for months, culminating in a joint Instagram reveal from Grande and Bailey themselves. The pair shared a captivating photo, seated before Georges Seurat’s iconic painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the very masterpiece that inspired the musical. Their caption, a poignant lyric from the show – “All it has to be is good” – subtly yet definitively confirmed their involvement, igniting a flurry of excitement across social media and the entertainment world. This grand West End return for both artists promises to be a highlight of the 2027 theatre season.
A Visionary Revival: Sunday in the Park with George Returns
Sunday in the Park with George is widely celebrated as a masterpiece of modern musical theatre. Penned by the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim and playwright James Lapine, the show first premiered on Broadway in 1984, earning critical acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Its innovative structure and profound exploration of art, love, and legacy have cemented its place as a contemporary classic. The musical delves into the life of a fictionalized Georges Seurat, chronicling his intense artistic immersion and the personal sacrifices demanded by his creative genius.
The first act of the musical vividly portrays Seurat’s creative process as he works on his famous painting, focusing on his relationship with his muse and lover, Dot. Their bond strains as Seurat’s attachment to his art becomes all-consuming. The second act then leaps forward in time, exploring the challenges faced by Seurat’s great-grandson, also an artist, in contemporary times. This upcoming London production is slated for summer 2027 at the prestigious Barbican Theatre. It brings a fresh perspective to a timeless story, guided by acclaimed director Marianne Elliott, known for her visionary work on productions like Company and War Horse. Tom Scutt, recognized for his design work on Into the Woods, will handle the production’s design, ensuring a visually stunning experience.
The Star Power of Grande and Bailey
The casting of Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey is a true theatrical coup, bringing two of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents back to their stage roots. Their recent collaboration on the highly anticipated two-part Wicked film adaptation, where Grande portrays Glinda and Bailey takes on the role of Fiyero, solidified their on-screen chemistry and star power. Their performances in the Wicked universe, including the upcoming sequel For Good, have further cemented their status, with Grande even earning an Oscar nomination last year. This reunion on stage is a natural progression, allowing them to translate their cinematic magic into a live theatrical setting.
For Ariana Grande, this marks her much-anticipated London stage debut. It’s also a significant return to musical theatre after more than 15 years, following her Broadway debut in 13 back in 2008. Grande has frequently expressed her deep love for the stage, describing her early theatre experiences as “the most incredible” training that helped her develop “stamina.” She has openly stated her desire to “be onstage again,” having envisioned a life in theatre during her younger years. This role aligns perfectly with a potential career shift, as she recently hinted at taking a substantial break from pop stardom after her 2026 “Eternal Sunshine” tour, describing it as a “one last hurrah” for a considerable period.
Jonathan Bailey’s journey to this role is equally impressive. After captivating global audiences as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, his career has soared. He previously collaborated with director Marianne Elliott on a celebrated 2018 West End revival of Sondheim’s Company, for which he won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. His return to Sondheim’s work with Elliott promises a compelling performance. Bailey has also recently announced plans to temporarily pause his acting career to focus on his charity, The Shameless Fund. This Barbican run provides a powerful project for both stars during their announced professional transitions.
A Look Ahead: Dates, Tickets, and Career Trajectories
The Barbican Theatre in London will host Sunday in the Park with George in summer 2027. While specific performance dates within the summer season are yet to be announced, Empire Street Productions, in association with the Barbican, is producing the musical. Enthusiastic fans should mark their calendars, as tickets for this highly anticipated revival are scheduled to go on sale in May. Given the immense popularity of both Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, a swift sell-out is expected, making early booking essential for those hoping to witness this star-studded theatrical event.
Beyond this exciting stage project, both stars continue to navigate diverse career paths. Ariana Grande is set to spend part of 2026 in London, with ten dates scheduled for her “Eternal Sunshine Tour” at The O2 across August and September. Despite her hints about a break from extensive touring, her commitment to this musical revival confirms she is not entirely stepping away from live performance. She is also slated to appear in the upcoming film Folker In-Law. Jonathan Bailey, in addition to his charitable work, recently starred in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, showcasing his versatility across different theatrical forms.
This London revival of Sunday in the Park with George follows a rich history of acclaimed productions. The musical saw a notable London run at the National Theatre in 1990 and a successful 2005 revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory. A planned West End transfer of a Broadway revival starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford was unfortunately cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The upcoming production with Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey is poised to add another illustrious chapter to this iconic musical’s legacy, promising a fresh and vibrant interpretation for a new generation of theatregoers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sunday in the Park with George about, and why is this revival significant?
Sunday in the Park with George is a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. It explores the life of a fictionalized 19th-century French painter, Georges Seurat, as he creates his masterpiece, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The story delves into themes of artistic obsession, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly with his lover, Dot. This revival is highly significant due to its star casting of Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, marking Grande’s London stage debut and a powerful reunion for the Wicked co-stars under the direction of Marianne Elliott.
When and where can I purchase tickets for the Sunday in the Park with George revival?
The highly anticipated revival of Sunday in the Park with George, starring Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, is scheduled to run in summer 2027 at the Barbican Theatre in London. While specific performance dates for summer 2027 are yet to be fully announced, tickets are slated to go on sale in May. Due to the immense demand expected for this star-studded production, it is advisable to keep a close watch on the Barbican Theatre’s official website and ticketing outlets closer to the May release date for the best chance to secure seats.
What makes the Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey reunion in Sunday in the Park with George particularly noteworthy?
This reunion is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it brings together two major Hollywood talents, fresh from their collaboration in the Wicked film adaptation, onto the prestigious West End stage. Secondly, it signifies a major return to theatre for Ariana Grande after a 15-year hiatus, aligning with her expressed desire to return to her stage roots and potentially marking a shift in her career focus. For Jonathan Bailey, it represents another collaboration with acclaimed director Marianne Elliott, building on their previous Olivier Award-winning work. Their combined star power and the prestige of the musical promise an unforgettable and highly anticipated theatrical event.
In conclusion, the announcement of Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey starring in Sunday in the Park with George is a monumental event for the world of musical theatre. This West End revival at the Barbican Theatre in summer 2027 promises to be a powerful showcase of their talents, offering audiences a unique opportunity to witness these cinematic stars bring a beloved Sondheim classic to life. With tickets going on sale in May, the countdown begins for what is set to be one of London’s most talked-about productions.