Directed by Lucy Bailey, Turgenev's satire of 19th-century Russian society will be presented in an adaptation by Mike Poulton that was previously seen on Broadway in 2002. It is described in press materials as an explosive family drama played out over the course of 24 hours.
In the play, "a pair of newlyweds arrive at their country estate to be welcomed by Kuzovkin (Glen), the penniless gentleman-in-residence. Their wealthy and mischievous neighbour Tropatchov (McCabe) calls by for a seemingly innocent celebratory lunch. Fuelled by champagne the proceedings degenerate, leading to a shocking revelation with far-reaching consequences."
The play was last produced on Broadway in 2002 with Alan Bates and Frank Langella, both winning Tony Awards.
Glen's theatre credits include Uncle Vanya (at the fringe Print Room), The Crucible (RSC at Stratford-upon-Avon, then West End's Gielgud), Hedda Gabler (at the Almeida) and A Streetcar Named Desire at the National. Film credits include "The Iron Lady," "Tomb Raider" and "Mountains of the Moon," and TV credits include "Game of Thrones" and "Downton Abbey."
McCabe was last seen on the London stage in The Audience, for which he won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Other stage credits include regular appearances for the RSC, National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre. TV credits include "Wallander" (BBC), "Spooks" (BBC) and "Lewis" (ITV), and on film he has been seen in "Invisible Women," "The Duchess," "The Constant Gardener" and "Notting Hill." Also in the cast are Lucy Briggs-Owen as Olga and Alexander Vlahos as Yeletsk, with Dyfan Dwyfor, Janet Fullerlove, Paul Ham, Richard Henders and Simon Markey. Further casting is still to be announced.
Director Lucy Bailey's recent credits include King Lear at the Theatre Royal, Bath, The Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew and Julius Caesar (all for the RSC), Beggar's Opera (Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park), and Macbeth, Timon of Athens, Titus Andronicus, As You Like It and The Maid's Tragedy (Shakespeare's Globe).
Designs are by William Dudley, with lighting by Bruno Poet, music by John Eacott, sound by Mic Pool and casting by Sarah Bird.
To book tickets, which are on sale through Feb. 22, 2014, contact the box office on 0844 871 7628 or visit www.oldvictheatre.com.
