Ariana Grande to Star in London's Must-See Musical of 2027
In a major theatrical coup, global pop icon Ariana Grande has been cast in the acclaimed musical Sunday in the Park with George. The production is scheduled to run at London's Barbican Theatre in the summer of 2027. This announcement marks the most significant showbiz casting since Tom Holland's headline run in Romeo + Juliet last year.
Grande, who will perform five sold-out nights at The O2 Arena later this year to over 80,000 fans, will be playing in a venue with a capacity of just 500 seats. This stark contrast guarantees that demand for tickets will be extraordinarily high, creating a potential frenzy amongst theatregoers and her legion of fans.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Grande will be joined on stage by her Wicked film and Bridgerton co-star, Jonathan Bailey. The musical itself is a celebrated work, inspired by Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
The narrative unfolds across two centuries, exploring the life of painter Seurat in the 19th century and that of his great-grandson in the 20th century, both grappling with themes of art, legacy, and personal meaning.
The production boasts an illustrious creative pedigree:
- Music and lyrics by the late, legendary Stephen Sondheim.
- Book by James Lapine.
- Direction by acclaimed director Marianne Elliott.
- Design by Tom Scutt.
Your Guide to Securing Coveted Tickets
With tickets not going on general sale until May 2026, planning ahead is essential. The most effective strategy to improve your chances is to become a Barbican Member.
Members receive priority booking access before the general public. The 'Standard' membership tier, costing £59 per year, includes this benefit. The 'Membership Plus' tier, at £114 annually, offers "extra priority" for select events, though it is yet to be confirmed if this applies to this specific production.
It is crucial to note that membership does not guarantee a ticket. A limited allocation of priority tickets is reserved for members to ensure availability for the general public. Given the star power involved, a significant spike in new memberships is expected, meaning competition will be fierce.
Additional benefits for members typically include a 20 per cent discount on tickets for themselves and a guest, as well as weekly emails with key information on release dates.
Grande's Theatrical Roots and Co-Star Chemistry
Ariana Grande is no stranger to the stage. She made her Broadway debut at just 13 years old in 13 by Jason Robert Brown. Her passion for musicals, particularly Wicked, is well-documented, and she has often woven theatrical references into her music, from 7 Rings to her duet with Mika.
Jonathan Bailey, meanwhile, has prior experience working with director Marianne Elliott, earning critical praise for his performance in Cock in 2022. His existing professional relationship with Grande from the Wicked films suggests a compelling on-stage chemistry for this highly anticipated Barbican run.
