Ariana Grande has announced that she will not appear in the planned London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Sunday In The Park With George at the Barbican. The decision, confirmed by her team, comes as she prepares to finish the Eternal Sunshine Tour and take a break from public‑facing commitments.
Reason for withdrawal
A representative for Grande told People: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour . " The spokesperson added that Grande is eager to end the tour on a positive note and then step away from the relentless scrutiny that accompanies her fame.
In a further comment, the representative said: "This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much." The remarks underline the singer’s desire for a healthier balance after more than a decade of constant public attention.
Impact on the production
Empire Street Productions, the company behind the revival, confirmed that the show will proceed as scheduled in summer 2027. Grande’s role will be recast, and a new casting announcement is expected in due course. A statement to the Press Association read: "We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best."
The production will still feature Jonathan Bailey, Grande’s co‑star from the West End hit Wicked, opposite the newly‑cast lead. The original musical, created by Sondheim and James Lapine, opened on Broadway in 1984 with Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters and is inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte.
Tour schedule and recent releases
Grande’s Eternal Sunshine tour is set to conclude in the United Kingdom with a ten‑night residency at London’s O2 arena in August, culminating on 1 September. The final London performance will also mark the end of the tour.
Earlier this month the singer released the music video for “Petal”, the lead single from her eighth studio album. The release sparked speculation about her health, though no official comment has been made beyond the tour‑related statements.
Career highlights
- Three Grammy Awards winner.
- Debut album Yours Truly released in 2013.
- First fame as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and Sam & Cat.
- Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked.
The withdrawal also affects North American fans, who have followed Grande’s career since her 2013 debut and remain a significant part of her audience, particularly in Canada where she has built a large following through multiple arena tours.