The West End is set for a spectacular reunion as two stars of the silver screen prepare to take to the London stage. Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande will headline a brand-new production of Stephen Sondheim's celebrated musical, Sunday in the Park with George.
From Oz to the Art Studio: A Stellar Casting
Fresh from their roles in the blockbuster Wicked films, the duo's on-screen chemistry will be redirected into one of musical theatre's most intellectually rewarding works. The show, inspired by French painter Georges Seurat and his pointillist masterpiece A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, is renowned for its complex score and poignant exploration of art and love.
Jonathan Bailey will portray George, the intensely focused artist whose dedication to his innovative 'pointillist' technique strains his personal connections. Ariana Grande takes on the role of Dot, George's muse and frustrated lover, a part that promises to showcase both her formidable vocal power and comedic timing.
Barbican Stage Set for 2027 Premiere
The high-profile revival has secured a prestigious London venue. The production will be staged at the Barbican Theatre in the summer of 2027, promising a visually stunning interpretation to match Sondheim's intricate melodies and lyrics.
For Bailey, a seasoned stage actor acclaimed for roles in Company and Cock, this marks a powerful return to his theatrical roots. For Grande, whose performance as Glinda has solidified her theatrical credentials, this is a bold step into the demanding realm of classic Sondheim, signalling her serious commitment to stagecraft.
A Major Cultural Moment in the Making
The announcement has sent theatre fans and industry commentators into a frenzy, with predictions of record-breaking ticket demand. Combining the drawing power of two global stars with a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical creates a potent recipe for the must-see theatrical event of the season.
While full creative details remain under wraps, the prospect of Bailey and Grande navigating Sondheim's beautiful, challenging score—against a backdrop of evolving pointillist visuals—is already generating immense buzz. This revival is poised not just as a show, but as a significant cultural moment for the London stage.
Audiences can expect an evening that is cerebral, emotionally resonant, and visually inventive. Mark your calendars for 2027, when two of entertainment's biggest names bring a masterpiece of modern musical theatre to vivid life at the Barbican.
