Production Canceled for 2027
The highly anticipated 2027 London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican has been officially canceled, according to a statement released by the production on Monday, September 14, 2026. While Empire Street Productions initially attempted to move forward following the departure of lead actress Ariana Grande, the subsequent withdrawal of her Wicked costar, Jonathan Bailey, forced the company to halt the project entirely.
“The planned 2027 production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican will no longer proceed as scheduled,” the production team confirmed via their official X account. Producers stated that they intend to retain the rights to the show with the goal of presenting the production in 2028, though no further details have been finalized.
A Cascade of Departures
The musical’s stability was first challenged in August 2026 when Ariana Grande’s representatives announced she would be “taking a step back from visibility” following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour. Grande later clarified to fans that the decision to prioritize her well-being was planned well in advance and was not impulsive. At the time, the production team expressed support for the star and initially affirmed that the show would continue as planned.
However, the project faced a terminal blow when Jonathan Bailey announced his departure on September 1. Bailey, who had collaborated with director Marianne Elliott on previous projects like Cock and Company, cited personal consideration for his exit. In a statement posted to his Instagram Story, Bailey emphasized his support for his “dearest friend” Grande and the creative team. “This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me,” Bailey wrote. “I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team.”
Stakes for the West End
The cancellation marks a significant setback for the Barbican’s upcoming theatrical calendar, as the reunion of the Wicked stars had generated considerable industry buzz. The original musical, created by Sondheim and playwright James Lapine, is a celebrated work that debuted on Broadway in 1984, inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. For now, the production team is shifting focus to 2028, leaving a gap in the 2027 schedule that theater operators will need to address.