Ariana Grande withdraws from West End musical debut

No “Sunday in the Park” for Ariana after all

The 33-year-old had been due to star opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at London’s Barbican in the summer of 2027.

Producers confirmed the news, saying: “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,” adding that the show would go ahead with new casting announced “in due course”.

Ariana Grande seeks a break from the spotlight

A representative said the Grammy winner wanted a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances” after her tour wraps in London on 1 September. Her rep told People magazine that constant appearances had “led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny”, as RTÉ reported.

Irish fans who had hoped to catch the star on a London stage will instead have to wait for her next screen roles.

Grande, whose turn as Glinda in Wicked earned an Oscar nomination, is set to appear in the comedy Focker-in-Law opposite Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in November. For more Movies and TV news, keep it locked to joe.ie.