Iain Glen Departs FORTUNE'S FOOL at Old Vic Due to Illness; William Houston Takes Over

Ivan Turgenev's FORTUNE'S FOOL, starring Iain Glen (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey) and Richard McCabe, began performances at the Old Vic on December 6. Glen, who plays Kuzovkin in the play, just had to withdraw from the cast because of illness.

A statement on the Old Vic's website reads: "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 the play, Kuzovkin must welcome his new heiress and her husband to the estate, while McCabe -- as Tropatchov, Kuzovkin's rich neighbor -- dredges up the poor man's unpleasant past.

FORTUNE'S FOOL was last seen on Broadway in 2002, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Alan Bates and Frank Langella, both of whom received Tony Awards for their performances. Mike Poulton, who adapted the Broadway production, has been working on "cutting down" and "refreshing" a new version for the Old Vic.

Glen has starred on Broadway in The Blue Room, as well as Martin Guerre in the West End. He will next appear on the big screen in What About Love, and he recently appeared in the movie Kick-Ass 2. He is well known for his portrayal of 'Jorah Mormont' in the TV series Game of Thrones, as well as 'Sir Richard Carlisle' on Downton Abbey. Other TV credits include Borgia, Prisoners Wives, Haven, Strike Back, MI-5, Doctor Who, City of Vice and more.