Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from the London revival of Sunday In The Park With George following the recent departure of his co-star Ariana Grande.
A month ago, it was announced that Grande, 33, was taking a step back from public life, prompting her exit from the staging of the Stephen Sondheim musical.
The singer was due to perform alongside her Wicked castmate in the show, directed by Marianne Elliott and scheduled to run at the Barbican in 2027.
Organisers had initially intended for the production to go ahead with Bailey while searching for a replacement actor for Grande, but he has now confirmed his own decision to leave the cast as well.
open image in galleryIn a statement shared on social media, the 38-year-old wrote: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends. After much consideration, I have decided to also step back from Sunday in the Park with George.
“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team. Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it.”
He added: “I wish the very best to the entire company with what will no doubt be an incredible production, and I will be cheering them on as they continue this journey.”
open image in galleryA representative for Empire Street Productions said: “Following Ariana Grande’s withdrawal, Jonathan Bailey has informed the producers that he has also decided to step back from Sunday In The Park With George.
“Work on the production continues. Casting discussions are actively under way, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical.”
They added that further casting and production details “will be announced in due course”.
At the time that Grande stepped down, a representative for the Barbican said: “On Sunday evening, Ariana Grande’s team shared the news that she has made the difficult decision to step back from our production of Sunday In The Park With George.
“She makes this with unreserved understanding and support from Empire Street Productions and everyone at the Barbican.
“We wish her nothing but the best for the rest of her tour and for the future, and sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right.”