According to a statement on the Old Vic Theatre's website, "Unfortunately Iain Glen is unwell and has been advised by his doctor to withdraw from Fortune’s Fool in order to regain his full health. We are delighted to announce that William Houston will be taking on the role of Kuzovkin and in the meantime, Iain’s understudy, Patrick Cremin continues to give a sterling performance. Everyone at The Old Vic wish Iain a speedy recovery and thank William for stepping into the role at short notice."



Glen, who starred opposite Nicole Kidman in David Hare's The Blue Room on Broadway in 1998 in a production that transferred form London's Donmar Warehouse, has more recently been seen on the London stage in Longing at Hampstead Theatre, the title role of Uncle Vanya (Print Room), Ghosts (the West End's Duchess Theatre) and The Crucible (which transferred from the RSC's Stratford-upon-Avon base to the West End's Gielgud Theatre). Film appearances includes "The Iron Lady," "Pope Joan" and "Harry Brown." TV appearances include "Game of Thrones" I & II (HB0), "Downton Abbey" (ITV) and "The Magdalen Martyr" and "Spooks."

Houston has been a regular for the Royal Shakespeare Company where his roles have included Troilus in Troilus and Cressida, Prince Hal in both parts of Henry IV and the title role in Henry V, and has been seen on screen in "Sherlock Holmes," Sherlock Holmes; A Game of Shadows" and "Clash of the Titans."

Directed by Lucy Bailey, Turgenev's satire of 19th-century Russian society is 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 twenty-four hours.



In the play, a pair of newlyweds arrive at their country estate to be welcomed by Kuzovkin (the role previously played by Glen and now to to be taken by Houston), 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.


To book tickets, which are on sale through Feb. 22, 2014, contact the box office on 0844 871 7628 or visit www.oldvictheatre.com