Summary (tl;dr)

Jonathan Bailey, known for Bridgerton and the upcoming Wicked films, is set to star alongside Ariana Grande in a new West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical, Sunday in the Park with George, sparking significant online interest.

Essential Background

Sunday in the Park with George is a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. Loosely inspired by Georges Seurat's pointillist painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," the show explores art, creation, and human connection, first debuting off-Broadway in 1983 and on Broadway in 1984. Jonathan Bailey is an Olivier Award-winning actor who has gained widespread recognition for his roles in Netflix's Bridgerton and as Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked film adaptations.

The Full Story

On January 14, 2026, it was officially confirmed that Jonathan Bailey and pop superstar Ariana Grande will lead a new stage production of Sunday in the Park with George. The highly anticipated revival, directed by Tony and Olivier Award winner Marianne Elliott, will open at the Barbican Centre in London in Summer 2027. Bailey will portray Georges Seurat, the lead role in the musical, reuniting with Grande after their work together on the Wicked films. The news was teased by both actors in a joint Instagram post featuring them in front of Seurat's iconic painting, further fueling excitement among fans.

Why It Matters

The casting of Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande brings significant star power to a beloved Sondheim musical, making it a major event for the West End and theatre enthusiasts. This high-profile revival is expected to draw a diverse audience, potentially introducing a new generation to Sondheim's intricate work and the themes of artistic ambition and legacy. For Bailey, this role marks a significant return to the London stage, following acclaimed performances in Company and Richard II, and continues his trajectory as a leading man in both film and theatre. The reunion of the Wicked co-stars on stage also adds to the buzz, generating considerable interest and discussion across social media.

Geographic Location

• Barbican Centre, London, England, United Kingdom (upcoming musical production)
• The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (location where Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande teased the announcement with an Instagram post)