SPOTLIGHT ON: Jonathan Bailey
West End Wonder, Screen Stud-muffin and Sexiest Man Alive. Let’s take a look at the theatrical career of Wicked star Jonathan Bailey.
Jonathan Bailey has become one of the most talked-about names in British theatre — and if you’ve queued for a West End show recently, you’ve probably heard his name more than once.
From Olivier Award-winning performances to unforgettable Shakespearean roles, Bailey has built a stage career that blends versatility, charisma, and undeniable talent.
A Theatre Career That Started Young
Bailey’s connection to the stage began early, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables as a child. Since then, he has grown into one of the most dynamic performers of his generation, moving seamlessly between classic texts, contemporary drama, and major West End musicals.
Standout Shakespeare & Classic Performances
Bailey has consistently proved his strength with classical roles, bringing emotional clarity and modern humanity to centuries-old characters. His acclaimed turns include:
- Prince Arthur in King John
- Edgar in King Lear
- Cassio in Othello
These performances established him as a powerful stage presence capable of holding his own alongside major theatrical names.
Olivier Award Success in Company
Fans of musical theatre know Bailey for his show-stealing performance as Jamie in Marianne Elliott’s gender-swapped revival of Company.
His hilarious, heartfelt rendition of “Getting Married Today” earned him an Olivier Award and cemented his reputation as one of the rare actors who truly gets Sondheim.
Contemporary Theatre & Boundary-Pushing Roles
Never one to play it safe, Bailey has taken on bold and intimate modern work as well — most notably in Mike Bartlett’s Cock, a West End production that drew significant buzz for its nuanced portrayal of identity, love, and sexuality.
Why Audiences Love Jonathan Bailey
Whether he’s performing a high-speed patter song, navigating the emotional complexities of modern relationships, or diving into Shakespearean tragedy, Bailey approaches every role with precision, emotional honesty and a magnetic stage presence.
For newer fans discovering him through his film and TV roles, his theatre work is a treasure trove of standout performances. For long-time followers, it’s Jonathan Bailey doing what he does best: bringing stories to life with energy, intelligence, and heart.
Jonathan Bailey — Complete Theatre Credits
A Christmas Carol (1995) — Child Scrooge / Tiny Tim (RSC)
Les Enfants du Paradis (1996) — Little Baptiste (RSC)
Les Misérables (1997–1998) — Gavroche (Palace Theatre, West End)
King John (2001–2002) — Prince Arthur (RSC)
Beautiful Thing (2006) — Jamie (Sound Theatre)
Pretend You Have Big Buildings (2007) — Leon (Royal Exchange, Manchester)
The Mother Ship (2008) — Elliot (Birmingham Rep)
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2008) — Pieter (Cambridge Arts / Theatre Royal Haymarket)
The House of Special Purpose (2009) — Alexi (Chichester Festival Theatre)
South Downs (2011–2012) — Duffield (Chichester Festival Theatre / Harold Pinter Theatre)
The Golden Story (2013) — Romeo (Buckingham Palace production)
Othello (2013) — Cassio (National Theatre)
NT Live: 50 Years On Stage (2013) — Valentine
American Psycho (2013) — Tim Price (Almeida Theatre)
The Last Five Years (2016) — Jamie Wellerstein (St. James Theatre)
King Lear (2017) — Edgar (Chichester Festival Theatre)
Certain Young Men (2017) — Andrew (National Theatre)
The York Realist (2018) — John (Donmar Warehouse / Crucible)
Company (2018–2019) — Jamie (Gielgud Theatre)
Cock (2022) — John (Ambassadors Theatre)
Richard II (2025) — Richard II (Bridge Theatre)
