Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Vanbrugh 300 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to develop a nationwide project that aims to broaden the awareness of Vanbrugh through special displays, free education programmes and lectures, throughout his tercentenary year in 2026.
Staging Vanbrugh: Theatre, Performance and Architecture
This latest VANBRUGH300 newsletter continues its exploration of John Vanbrugh’s life in the theatre, with a focus on performance past and present. It features Annette Rubery’s article on The Country House, shedding light on Vanbrugh’s lesser-known work adapting French farce for the London stage and revealing an important aspect of his theatrical career beyond his most famous comedies.
The newsletter also celebrates contemporary interpretations of Vanbrugh through a variety of live events. It highlights a community-led performance by Northern Butterflies at Seaton Delaval Hall, showcasing how local creativity and participation bring Vanbrugh’s legacy to life. Alongside this, interactive storytelling performances designed for families offer an engaging and playful introduction to Vanbrugh’s life, blending history with imagination. From projection art installations to symposia and guided tours, the newsletter highlights the breadth of ways in which Vanbrugh’s legacy continues to be explored and celebrated across the anniversary year.
