Learn more about Jonathan Bailey before seeing him in 'Richard II'

The acclaimed actor and Bridgerton star is back on stage in Nicholas Hytner's new Bridge Theatre production of Shakespeare's Richard II in 2025.

Jonathan Bailey – aka Anthony Bridgerton – is swapping the ton’s marriage mart for the stage as he makes his much-anticipated return to theatre. The actor will play the title role in Shakespeare’s history play Richard II at London’s Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, in an exciting new production in spring 2025.

Of course, theatre fans have been eagerly following Jonathan Bailey’s career long before Bridgerton made him a global star. He actually began his career as a child actor in the West End Les Misérables, and went on to win an Olivier Award for playing the gender-swapped Jamie in Stephen Sondheim’s Company.

There have also been roles in everything from TV detective thriller Broadchurch to industry satire W1A, as well as more forays into Shakespeare and musical theatre – and, coming up, the Wicked movies with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. As you plan your trip to Richard II, get to know Bailey’s illustrious theatre career.

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Les Misérables, Palace Theatre, 1997-8

Bailey started young, making his West End debut aged just eight. He starred in the beloved French Revolutionary musical as cheeky urchin Gavroche, who lives on the streets and later takes to the barricade. Do you hear the people sing? Audiences certainly heard, and loved, Bailey – although it would be a while before he returned to musical theatre.

King John, Barbican, 2001

Bailey had previously played some child roles for the RSC, but this was his first major opportunity to make his mark with the prestigious classical company. He played Prince Arthur – nephew to the titular King John and a dangerous claimant to the English throne – in Gregory Doran’s well-received production at the Barbican.

Beautiful Thing, Sound Theatre, 2006

Ever precocious, Bailey began rehearsals for Beautiful Thing right after finishing his A-levels. This revival of Jonathan Harvey’s landmark queer play featured several rising stars: Bailey – who was described as lighting up the stage – succeeded Andrew Garfield in the cast, and he was joined by future Shakespeare’s Globe artistic director Michelle Terry.

Girl with a Pearl Earring, Theatre Royal Haymarket, 2008

Bailey was back in the West End when Girl with a Pearl Earring transferred from Cambridge Arts Theatre. In this stage adaptation of Tracy Chevalier’s bestselling historical novel, Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar (currently starring in Kiss Me, Kate) played Vermeer, and Bailey played local butcher’s son, and his love rival, Pieter.

South Downs, Harold Pinter Theatre, 2012

David Hare wrote a short response piece to Terence Rattigan’s The Browning Version, and the two school-set plays ran together at Chichester in 2011 and then in the West End in 2012. Bailey won praise as the charming sixth former and prefect, Jeremy Duffield, who comes to the rescue of an oddball fellow pupil – and was nominated for Outstanding Newcomer by the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Othello, National Theatre, 2013

Bailey played Cassio, the loyal lieutenant whom a paranoid Othello suspects of having an affair with his wife Desdemona, in Nicholas Hytner’s electrifying, modern-dress National Theatre take on the Bard, led by Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear. The production received five-star raves, and the Guardian featured the play in its Top 10 shows of 2013.

American Psycho, Almeida Theatre, 2013

Bailey returned to musicals with Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s provocative adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel (and 2000 movie) about a yuppie Wall Street banker who is also a serial killer. He took the supporting role of Tim Price, a colleague of Patrick Bateman’s (played by Matt Smith), in Rupert Goold’s stylish production.

The Last Five Years, St James Theatre, 2016

Bailey graduated to leading man in a musical soon after, starring as Jamie Wellerstein in Jason Robert Brown’s exquisite show about the troubled relationship between a novelist and an actress. He played opposite Samantha Barks in this Off-West End production – directed by Brown himself – at what is now The Other Palace, and was described by London Theatre’s critic as “spellbinding”.

King Lear, Chichester Festival Theatre, 2017

Ian McKellen made a memorable Lear in Jonathan Munby’s detailed and incredibly moving contemporary production, and Bailey also impressed as the wronged Edgar, who is disinherited after being framed by his illegitimate half-brother and disguises himself as a madman. The Evening Standard praised his “touching study of transformation, from naïve innocence into morally serious worldliness.”

The York Realist, Donmar Warehouse/Sheffield Crucible, 2018

Robert Hastie beautifully revived Peter Gill’s 2001 play about a staging of the York Mysteries in the 1960s, and the stealthy budding romance between farm labourer George and posh London director John. Bailey starred as the latter opposite Ben Batt, and the Observer’s critic raved “I have never seen falling in love so palpably expressed”.

Company, Gielgud Theatre, 2018-19

Marianne Elliott’s gender-swapped production breathed new life into Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical about love, sex, and relationships. Bride-to-be Amy, who memorably freaks out in lightning-fast patter song “Getting Married Today”, became Jamie – and a magnificent showcase for Bailey’s talents. He rightly won the 2019 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Cock, Ambassadors Theatre, 2022

Bailey reunited with Elliott for another West End project: a revival of Mike Bartlett’s 2009 play about a gay man, John, who develops feelings for a woman, which originally starred Ben Whishaw and Andrew Scott. Bailey played John, and was praised by London Theatre for his “charisma, energy and electricity”. Although his co-star Taron Egerton sadly dropped out, the production was still a success.

Richard II, Bridge Theatre, 2025

We haven’t seen Bailey on stage for a few years, so it’s a treat to have him back – and in a complex role as a deeply flawed monarch. Nicholas Hytner’s previous Shakespeare productions at the Bridge have been bold, immersive experiences, so expect not just gripping drama but an innovative staging that brings you close to the action.

Book Richard II tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credits: Pete Jones, Alastair Muir, Manuel Harlan, Scott Rylander, Johan Persson, Brinkhoff/Moegenburg, Matt Crockett