Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey to Reunite on London Stage in Sondheim Revival
Published 14 January 2026
Highlights
- Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey will star in a 2027 revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" at London's Barbican Theatre.
- The musical, inspired by Georges Seurat's painting, was originally created by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.
- Grande and Bailey previously co-starred in the film adaptation of "Wicked," enhancing their profiles in Hollywood.
- Marianne Elliott will direct the production, with set design by Tom Scutt; tickets go on sale in May.
- Grande will also perform at London's O2 arena in 2026 as part of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
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Rewritten Article
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey to Reunite on London Stage in Sondheim Revival
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, known for their roles in the film adaptation of "Wicked," are set to captivate audiences once again in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical "Sunday in the Park with George." Scheduled to open in the summer of 2027 at London's Barbican Theatre, this production marks Grande's eagerly anticipated London stage debut.
The announcement, which had been the subject of much speculation, was confirmed when the stars shared a photo on Instagram, posing in front of Georges Seurat's iconic painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." This artwork serves as the inspiration for the musical, which explores the life and artistic struggles of a fictionalized Seurat and his relationship with his model, Dot.
A Celebrated Creative Team
The revival will be directed by Marianne Elliott, renowned for her work on Sondheim's "Company," which earned her critical acclaim in London's West End. The production will feature set design by Tom Scutt, known for his recent work on "Into the Woods" at the Bridge Theatre. Empire Street Productions, in association with the Barbican, will produce the show, with further casting details to be announced.
Grande and Bailey's Continued Collaboration
Grande and Bailey's on-screen chemistry in "Wicked" has translated into a promising theatrical partnership. Grande, who received an Oscar nomination last year, will also perform at London's O2 arena in 2026 as part of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Despite hinting at a hiatus from touring, her involvement in this production suggests a continued commitment to the stage.
A Storied Musical Legacy
"Sunday in the Park with George" first premiered on Broadway in 1984, featuring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. It has since enjoyed several successful revivals, including a notable run at London's National Theatre in 1990. The upcoming Barbican production promises to honor this rich legacy while offering a fresh take on the beloved musical.
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Scenario Analysis
The upcoming revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" at the Barbican Theatre could significantly impact both Grande and Bailey's careers, potentially solidifying their status as versatile performers capable of bridging the gap between film and theatre. The production's success may also influence future revivals of Sondheim's works, highlighting the enduring appeal of his musicals. As tickets go on sale in May, the anticipation surrounding this production is likely to grow, drawing both theatre enthusiasts and fans of the stars to London's vibrant arts scene.
Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, known for their roles in the film adaptation of "Wicked," are set to captivate audiences once again in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical "Sunday in the Park with George." Scheduled to open in the summer of 2027 at London's Barbican Theatre, this production marks Grande's eagerly anticipated London stage debut.
The announcement, which had been the subject of much speculation, was confirmed when the stars shared a photo on Instagram, posing in front of Georges Seurat's iconic painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." This artwork serves as the inspiration for the musical, which explores the life and artistic struggles of a fictionalized Seurat and his relationship with his model, Dot.
A Celebrated Creative Team
The revival will be directed by Marianne Elliott, renowned for her work on Sondheim's "Company," which earned her critical acclaim in London's West End. The production will feature set design by Tom Scutt, known for his recent work on "Into the Woods" at the Bridge Theatre. Empire Street Productions, in association with the Barbican, will produce the show, with further casting details to be announced.
Grande and Bailey's Continued Collaboration
Grande and Bailey's on-screen chemistry in "Wicked" has translated into a promising theatrical partnership. Grande, who received an Oscar nomination last year, will also perform at London's O2 arena in 2026 as part of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Despite hinting at a hiatus from touring, her involvement in this production suggests a continued commitment to the stage.
A Storied Musical Legacy
"Sunday in the Park with George" first premiered on Broadway in 1984, featuring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. It has since enjoyed several successful revivals, including a notable run at London's National Theatre in 1990. The upcoming Barbican production promises to honor this rich legacy while offering a fresh take on the beloved musical.
What this might mean
The upcoming revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" at the Barbican Theatre could significantly impact both Grande and Bailey's careers, potentially solidifying their status as versatile performers capable of bridging the gap between film and theatre. The production's success may also influence future revivals of Sondheim's works, highlighting the enduring appeal of his musicals. As tickets go on sale in May, the anticipation surrounding this production is likely to grow, drawing both theatre enthusiasts and fans of the stars to London's vibrant arts scene.
