Ariana Grande withdraws from Barbican’s Sunday In The Park With George revival
The singer will step back from public-facing work after her Eternal Sunshine tour ends in London next year
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Only an official statement from Empire Street Productions is cited; no named individual source.
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Ariana Grande has withdrawn from the London revival of *Sunday In The Park With George*, the Barbican’s planned 2027 production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical. Empire Street Productions, the company behind the show, confirmed the decision on 14 May 2025. The production will proceed with a new cast, though no replacement has been named.
Grande was set to star opposite Jonathan Bailey, her co-star from *Wicked*. The revival was scheduled to open in summer 2027 at the Barbican’s Theatre. A representative for Grande told *People* that she intends to take a break from public-facing work after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour, which ends in London next year.
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Why the decision was made
In a statement to *People*, Grande’s representative said the singer plans to step back from visibility after her tour concludes. The statement read: “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
The decision follows recent speculation about Grande’s health, prompted by the music video for *Petal*, the lead single from her eighth studio album. Empire Street Productions said in a statement to the Press Association that Grande’s withdrawal was not an easy decision but that they fully support it. The production will open as planned in summer 2027.
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What happens next for the production
Empire Street Productions confirmed that the Barbican revival will go ahead without Grande. Casting for her role will be announced at a later date. The original 1984 Broadway production starred Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters and was inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting *A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte*.
Grande’s final London appearance before her break will be at The O2 on 1 September 2026, the last date of her Eternal Sunshine tour. She has performed ten nights at the venue this August. The singer has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film adaptation of *Wicked*.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.”
Empire Street Productions, in a statement to the Press Association
What this means for ticket holders
It is unclear whether tickets for the 2027 production have already been sold. Empire Street Productions has not yet issued guidance for ticket holders or announced a timeline for refunds or exchanges. The Barbican’s box office has not responded to requests for comment.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Ariana Grande pulled out of the Barbican production?
Grande’s representative told *People* she plans to take a break from public-facing work after her Eternal Sunshine tour ends in September 2026. The statement cited ongoing public scrutiny as a factor in her decision. The production will proceed with a new cast.
+When will the Barbican’s Sunday In The Park With George open?
The revival is scheduled to open in summer 2027 at the Barbican Theatre. Empire Street Productions confirmed the production will go ahead as planned, with recasting for Grande’s role to be announced later.
+What happens to tickets if the cast changes?
Empire Street Productions has not issued guidance for ticket holders. It is unclear whether tickets have already been sold or if refunds or exchanges will be offered. The Barbican has not commented on the matter.
+When is Ariana Grande’s last London show?
Grande’s final London performance will be at The O2 on 1 September 2026, the last date of her Eternal Sunshine tour. She has already performed ten nights at the venue in August 2026.
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