Empire Street Productions Cancel 2027 London Revival of 'Sunday in the Park With George' Following Star Exits

Key points

• Empire Street Productions announced the cancellation of the 2027 Barbican Centre production of 'Sunday in the Park With George' on September 14, 2026.
• Ariana Grande withdrew from the role of Dot/Marie in August 2026, citing a decision to 'step back from visibility' following her 'Eternal Sunshine' tour and ongoing public scrutiny of her health.
• Jonathan Bailey, who was set to play George Seurat, withdrew in early September 2026, initially expressing support for the production to continue with new cast members.
• Producers confirmed they retain the rights to the musical and are exploring a 2028 presentation, though no new dates or casting have been announced.
• The production was originally announced in January 2026, with ticket sales delayed from May to September 2026 due to anticipated high demand from 'Wicked' fans.

Background

The musical, which debuted off-Broadway in 1983 and had a major Broadway revival in 2017, had been slated for a London transfer since 2026. Previous archive coverage noted that producers initially planned to 'reshape' the production with new casting after the stars' departures, but the cancellation marks a definitive end to the 2027 timeline.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter both reported the cancellation as a direct result of the two stars' exits, noting that producers had initially hoped to replace them. BBC emphasized the 'Wicked' connection between Grande and Bailey, highlighting the fan interest that drove the original announcement. All sources agree that the 2027 production is canceled, but Variety and THR note the possibility of a 2028 revival, while BBC focuses on the immediate cancellation and the stars' personal reasons for leaving.

Why it matters

The cancellation highlights the impact of celebrity health and public scrutiny on major theatrical productions, as well as the challenges of replacing high-profile stars in a show that relied on their 'Wicked' fame for marketing. It also raises questions about the future of the musical in London and the potential for a 2028 revival with a new cast.

What to watch

Empire Street Productions will announce further details regarding a potential 2028 production, including new casting and dates. Fans and industry observers will watch for any announcements about the show's future, as the producers retain the rights to the musical.