Illness Forces Iain Glen to Depart Turgenev's Fortune’s Fool at the Old Vic

Due to an undisclosed illness, Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey star Iain Glen has been forced to quit his role of Kuzovkin in Ivan Turgenev's Fortune’s Fool at London’s Old Vic. He will be replaced by William Houston in the production, which is scheduled to run through February 22.

A statement from the Old Vic’s website read as follows: “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.”

In Fortune’s Fool, a penniless gentleman-in-residence welcomes a pair of newlyweds as they arrive at their country estate. Their wealthy and mischievous neighbour Tropatchov calls by for a seemingly innocent celebratory lunch. Fueled by champagne the proceedings degenerate, leading to a shocking revelation with far-reaching consequences.

Houston's stage credits include Troilus and Cressida, Henry IV and Henry V for the RSC. His screen credits include Sherlock Holmes and Clash of the Titans. Glen starred opposite Nicole Kidman on Broadway in The Blue Room. His numerous London stage credits include Uncle Vanya, Ghosts and The Crucible. Glen's additional film and TV credits include The Iron Lady, Harry Brown, Spooks and The Magdalen Martyr.

Fortune's Fool was last seen on Broadway in 2002. Both Frank Langella and Alan Bates won Tonys for their performances in the production.