The Stables what's on brochure June-October 2023

world class music

entertainment

welcome to The Stables

Located in the village of Wavendon, Buckinghamshire and only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Milton Keynes, The Stables is one of the UK’s best-loved music venues.

Founded by the world-famous jazz musicians Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine in 1970, the venue now presents more than 400 performances each year across all musical genres in our two venue spaces –the Jim Marshall Auditorium (capacity 398) and Stage 2 (capacity 80) – and welcomes more than 100,000 customers through its doors.

Learning and participation are central to The Stables’ activities, bringing music to the widest possible audience. Our year-round learning and participation programme works with people of all ages and levels of ability and across many musical styles. For full details of what’s coming up, turn to page 39.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

information key

Friends and Founders are entitled to a 10% discount. Please notify the box office when making your reservation.

New shows which are open for public booking from Wednesday 17 May prior to which Stables Friends have priority

Denotes an education event or a concert with an associated education event. Ask Box Office for details.

This event takes place in Stage 2.

This event takes place in Mancini Forum.

front cover artists

15

Last few tickets

The Many Voices of Debra Stephenson

Thursday 1 June, 8pm £22.50

Take a trip with the star of Dead Ringers, Spitting Image, The Imitation Game and Bad Girls as impressionist and comedian Debra Stephenson hurtles through time in a multiverse of musical icons from Billie Holiday to Billie Eilish, Shirley Bassey to Kate Bush, with live musical accompaniment.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Very Best of Tommy Cooper 6 Jul

G2 Genesis

Friday 2, Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 June, 8pm £29.50 book for two or all three concerts and save money on your tickets!

G2 Genesis pay tribute to a vintage period in Genesis’s long and colourful history – the four-man Seconds Out era and earlier Gabriel years. Having performed classic Genesis for nearly two decades, G2 are making their annual return to The Stables and will again be playing three different sets over three nights.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: No Jacket Required 2 Dec

Kris Drever Band

Tuesday 6 June, 8pm £20

Kris Drever is a Scottish folk singer-songwriter who has won multiple awards, including an incredible seven BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, two shortlist nominations for Scottish Album of the Year (with his trio Lau) and much acclaim for his solo recordings and concerts. Don’t miss one of Scotland’s finest and most indemand musicians.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Karine Polwart & Dave Milligan 26 Jul

Tunde, Voice of Lighthouse Family + support

from Burr Island

Wednesday 7 June, 8pm £27.50

Performing Lighthouse Family favourites such as Lifted, High and Ocean Drive, Tunde will also be previewing his new collection of 1970s songwriter-era inspired recordings. Expect to hear songs from singer-songwriters such as Bill Withers, Elton John and Van Morrison.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: China Crisis 28 Oct

The Drifters

Thursday 8 June, 8pm £35

Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George and Faye Treadwell), The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with many successful UK tours. Tonight they perform all their classic hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number and Come On Over To My Place.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Drifters 25 Jun

Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys Experience

Friday 9 June, 8pm £25

Come and enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment jam-packed with non-stop hits, big-screen action, expert narrative and a whole lot of fun. You’ll be taken on a journey through several decades of pop as the band celebrate the music of Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Beatles’ George Harrison.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook 1 Sep

Harriet

Saturday 10 June, 8pm £25.50

Following her hugely popular Piano Sessions tour in 2022, Harriet is back on the road to promote her new album, The Outcome. Her music draws inspiration from the warmth of the 1960s and 70s soundscape and her voice is frequently said to be reminiscent of the late Karen Carpenter. Harriet will perform new material from the new album with her live band, as well as songs from her debut album.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: SuRie 9 Jun

Emma Johnson Trio: Clarinet Goes to Town

Sunday 11 June, 8pm £22.50

Together with pianist John Lenehan and drummer Paul Clarvis, Emma Johnson explores the roots of jazz while paying tribute to some of the greatest clarinettists of all time – Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Don’t miss an evening of wonderful musicianship!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Shear Brass 7 Sep

12

Bootleg Blondie

Thursday 15 June, 8pm £22

There aren’t many tribute bands that can say they’ve been endorsed by the original group, but Bootleg Blondie are one of them. They are the only Blondie tribute to play on some of the same stages as Debbie Harry and co. From the world-famous CBGBs in New York to the Isle of Wight Festival, Bootleg Blondie have earned their credentials on an international level.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush 14 Sep

Elivs

Friday 16 June, 8pm £10 & £8 (under18s £9 & £7)

The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). (157 minutes)

Whitney Houston –I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Saturday 17 June, 8pm £10 & £8 (under18s £9 & £7)

12A

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston, starring Naomi Ackie, Clarke Peters, Nafessa Williams. (146 minutes)

Verity Bromham Band

Sunday 18 June, 8pm £19

With more than a century of recording and touring years between them, John Verity and Del Bromham have decided to come together to bring something a little different to the table. The Verity Bromham Band features these two road warriors performing a broad selection of their favourite rock classics, carefully chosen to showcase their individual vocal and guitarplaying skills to the full.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Albert Lee 19 Oct

Len

Phillips Swing Orchestra:

starring Matt Ford & Nicola Emmanuelle

100 Years of Big Bands

Thursday 22 June, 8pm £29.50 & £26.50

The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s most popular big bands. Tonight they trace the development of big band sound from Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans Band and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra through the golden age of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, to the contemporary tracks of Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Syd Lawrence Orchestra 20 Oct

Oye Santana

Friday 23 June, 8pm £24

Inspired by the exciting dance rhythms of Santana’s Latin music, Oye Santana are no ordinary tribute to the music of Carlos Santana. More of a party than a concert, this is a feast of Latin music, superb musicianship and hit songs. Bringing a powerful and melodic drive to Santana’s distinctive rock style, the band perform with power, passion and perfection, ensuring a fantastic high energy and fun evening.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Classic Clapton 3 Nov

Kossoff: The Band Plays On

Saturday 24 June, 8pm £22.50

Don’t miss this special evening to celebrate the life and music of Paul Kossoff. It’s 47 years since the guitar prodigy died in 1976, aged just 25 – but his music lives on. Renowned vocalist Terry Slesser has put together a fine ensemble of high-calibre musicians to pay tribute to Paul and their show features tracks from the very best of Free and Back Street Crawler’s back catalogue.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Wishbone Ash 25 Sep

The Drifters

Sunday 25 June, 8pm £35

Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George and Faye Treadwell), The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with many successful UK tours. Tonight they’ll be performing all their classic hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number and Come On Over To My Place.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Drifters 8 Jun

Laura Cantrell

+ support from Doug Levitt

Monday 26 June, 8pm £20

Following a nine-year hiatus, Laura Cantrell, a much-loved presence on the US and international Americana and roots music scene, is back with a new studio album Just Like A Rose: The Anniversary Sessions, set to be released in June. Laura has toured extensively in the US, UK and Ireland and was a favourite of John Peel.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Judy Collins 4 Oct

Raghu Dixit Project

Wednesday 28 June, 8pm £25

Often hailed as India’s biggest cultural and musical export, Raghu Dixit’s unique brand of infectious, happy music transcends age, genre and even language. His music is strongly rooted in Indian traditions and culture and is presented with a very contemporary, global sound. Raghu Dixit Project will be performing tracks from their forthcoming new album Shakkar.

Logicaltramp

Thursday 29 June, 8pm £25

Logicaltramp bring their own unique approach to the music of Supertramp – playing a full-on, two-hour rock show that includes all of Supertramp’s greatest hits, all of their stand-out epic album tracks and even a few rarities for the die-hard fans!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Go Now! Tribute To The Moody Blues 27 Sep

Jazz Dynamos: Jazz’n’ 80s

Friday 30 June, 8pm £16.50

Fronted by vocalist Lucy Randell, Jazz Dynamos are a five-piece band who take the hits of the 1970s and 80s and transform them with an entertaining mix of jazz, bossa and samba. Their unique set of original, contemporary jazz arrangements includes classics by Dolly Parton, Madonna, U2, Police, a-ha and Britney Spears.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Clare Teal Four 11 Nov

G4 Live 2023

Saturday 1 July, 8pm £33.50 & £27.50 (Pre-show meet&-greet tickets £29.50, includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Tickets must be booked in conjunction with main show ticket.)

The UK’s number one vocal quartet extend their exhilarating G4 Live tour with more dates into 2023! Having exploded into the industry and the public’s hearts in 2004 on the first series of The X-Factor, G4 continue to mesmerise audiences with their unique style and unsurpassed trademark vocal harmonies.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Tenors Un Limited 7 Dec

The Strange Doors

Sunday 2 July, 8pm £18.50

The music of The Doors continues to reach into the soul in a way no other music can, whether it be the moving intrigue of Riders On The Storm, the expansive energy of L.A. Woman or the sheer exuberance of the rock classic Light My Fire. With their authentic instruments and sets crafted through years of experience, The Strange Doors invite audiences to immerse themselves in the vibe and to move to the hypnotic beat.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hats off to Led Zeppelin 26 Aug

Burretti: The Man Who Sewed the World

Wednesday 5 July, 8pm £14

With an all-star band featuring Del Bromham, this musical monologue theatre show portrays the fascinating tale of Bletchley’s own Freddie Burretti, David Bowie’s close friend and early 1970s Ziggy Stardust costume designer. This oneoff performance will be broadcast live on MKFM to mark the anniversary of David Bowie’s legendary 1972 Top of the Pops television broadcast to 18 million homes.

Promoted by Lee Scriven

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Just Like That!)

Thursday 6 July, 8pm £22.50

This hilarious one-man show written and performed by Danny Taylor focuses on Tommy Cooper’s legendary comedy act, recreating his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic. The show includes many of Cooper’s beloved one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Many Voices of Debra Stephenson 1 Jun

Live/Wire: The AC/DC Show

Friday 7 July, 8pm £27

AC/DC, arguably the greatest rock band of all time, are brought to life by Live/Wire. Complete with cannons and a full bank of Marshall amps, the band’s two-hour rock’n’roll spectacular takes you on a journey starting from one of the bestselling albums of all time, Back in Black, through to the 2020 release PWR UP, with a healthy dose of classics from the Bon Scott era along the way.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Wishbone Ash 25 Sep

Nell Bryden

Saturday 8 July, 8pm £25.50

Following the success of last year’s tour, Nell Bryden is back on the road promoting her latest release Arms Around The Flame In the lull of the pandemic, Nell has been anything but quiet. She has written and recorded this new album, digging deeper than ever to document the breakdown of her marriage. Themes of heartbreak, self-empowerment and resilience resonate throughout the album, already being called her strongest yet.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Harriet 10 Jun

Rock Experience Concert

Sunday 9 July, 7.30pm £7

This concert showcases the bands that have come together as part of The Stables’ 2023 Rock Experience course. All performers have taken part in a series of workshops and rehearsals to develop their technique and rehearse material for their set. Expect a wide range of rock and pop, from classics to modern hits, all chosen by the bands themselves.

Tony Christie 80th Birthday Tour

Wednesday 12 July, 8pm £31

Legendary crooner Tony Christie continues to entertain audiences around the world with his incredible showmanship, his unmistakable powerful vocal that has captivated generation after generation and a set list that still packs a punch.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Marty Wilde 8 Sep

New Amen Corner: Bringing On Back The 60s

Thursday 13 July, 8pm £21

New Amen Corner have starred alongside some of the biggest artists to emerge from the 1960s, including Chris Farlowe, Cliff Bennett and Dave Berry. Join them for a fantastic evening as they perform more than two hours of the decade’s bestselling hits. With authentic visual accompaniment on the stunning large screen, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night taking you back to the most iconic musical decade of all time.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Cavern Beatles 5 Nov

Northern Soul Live

featuring Lorraine Silver and Stefan & the Signatures

Saturday 15 July, 8pm £27.50

Don’t miss the UK’s premier Northern Soul show that’s sweeping the nation! This two-hour spectacular features an electrifying and highly talented 10-piece live band performing in their own signature style, along with special guest vocalists from the Northern Soul scene.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Wonder of Stevie 28 Sep

An Evening with Andy Hamilton

Sunday 16 July, 8pm £23.50

Award-winning writer and comedian Andy Hamilton looks back over his more than 40 years in comedy and 70(ish) years on the planet and tries to answer some questions! He recalls stories from his extensive professional career in comedy and shares memories, anecdotes and opinions, from the political to the personal. In the second half of the show, the audience can ask Andy questions on any topic at all!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 17 Sep

Potato Head Jazz Band

Wednesday 19 July, 8pm £20

The Potato Head Jazz Band are Spain’s leading Dixieland band. The band’s character is built on the music of early jazz stars Clarence Williams, Bix Beiderbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver and, of course, the early Louis Armstrong bands.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Emma Johnson Trio 11 Jun

WORLD PREMIERE

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble: Forever?

Saturday 22 July, 8pm £25, under-18s £8.50

Florence B. Price

Five Folksongs in Counterpoint

William Grant Still Folk Suite No. 1

Tomaso Albinoni Trumpet concerto B flat op.7 No.3

Roderick Williams

Forever?

A new musical commission responding to the 250th anniversary of one of the world’s most beloved hymns, Amazing Grace, written in Olney by the Reverend John Newton in 1773.

Amazing Grace has inspired countless people around the world and has become known in America as the nation’s ‘spiritual anthem’. Now, 250 years on, the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney in partnership with The Stables presents the world premiere of Forever?

With text by celebrated poet and writer Rommi Smith and music by renowned baritone and composer Roderick Williams OBE, the world premiere will be performed by members of Chineke!, Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra.

Forever? has been commissioned by Cowper & Newton Museum with The Stables for Amazing Grace 250. Supported using public funding by The National Lottery through Arts Council England and Milton Keynes City Council.

Rommi Smith

Roderick Williams

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble

The Damn Truth

Tuesday 1 August, 8pm £20

Celebrated Montreal rock’n’roll band The Damn Truth are heading back to the UK this summer following the recent release of their third studio album Now or Nowhere. The Damn Truth have extensively toured Europe and North America and opened for Z.Z.Top, The Sheepdogs, Styx and Rival Sons.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ben Poole & Catfish 23 Nov

Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon with the Bristol Ensemble

Sunday 6 August, 8pm £31

Celebrating 50 years since the release of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of the Moon, the Bristol Ensemble commissioned a chamber orchestral arrangement of this iconic album. The Dark Side Of The Moon sits as a cultural heavyweight of British music and resonates across all sections of society. The album has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and is the fourth bestselling album in history.

Promoted by Park Promotions

Bob Harris in Conversation with Martyn Joseph

Saturday 19 August, 8pm £27.50

“Whispering” Bob Harris needs no introduction: a legendary broadcaster and writer who has guided the soundtrack of millions over a career spanning the best part of 50 years. Welsh singersongwriter (and Stables favourite) Martyn Joseph is described by MOJO magazine as “a Welsh national treasure”. Bob and Martyn have been friends for many years and tonight sees them on stage together for an entertaining evening of music and conversation.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Paul Charles 7 Jun

Spooky Men’s Chorale

Sunday 20 August, 8pm £27.50

As thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks, the Spooky Men’s Chorale are the gift that keeps on giving. Always renowned for a combination of Visigothic bravado, absurdist humour and eye-moistening tenderness, the Spookies, fortified by a new generation of wunderkids, are more masters of their territory than ever before.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Peatbog Faeries 22 Jul

DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

from THE BRISTOL ENSEMBLE

ORCHESTRAL PINK FLOYDS

Gary Delaney: Punderland

Friday 25 August, 8pm £23.50

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole full of the best jokes in the world! One of the most sought-after joke writers in the country and long-standing Mock The Week special guest, Gary Delaney has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft. If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jason Byrne 16 Nov

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin

Saturday 26 August, 8pm £22.50

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin continue to be the only tribute act in the UK officially endorsed by Marshall Amplifiers. They have received many accolades over the years, most recently winning Best Led Zeppelin Tribute for the seventh year running at the National Tribute Awards, and Best Tribute Band In The UK 2019 as voted for by the Agents Association of Great Britain.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Strange Doors 2 Jul

TeachRex Live

Sunday 27 August, 10am & 12.30pm £13.50, under-16s £11

TeachRex Live use life-like dinosaurs to teach children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerizing creatures ever to have roamed our planet. The show is packed with special effects and music and gives children and their families the chance to get up close and personal with these fantastic, realistic beasts. Afterwards there’ll be a meet and greet where families can get photographs next to the dinosaurs.

Promoted by Teach Rex

Colosseum

Thursday 31 August, 8pm £25

Prog and jazz rock-masters Colosseum are on the road again with a new line-up consisting of original frontman Chris Farlowe, guitarist Clem Clempson and bassist Mark Clarke. Joining them will be Nick Steed on keyboards, Kim Nishikawara on saxophone and Malcolm Mortimore on drums.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS : Soft Machine 14 Nov

14+

Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook

Friday 1 September, 8pm £32

With evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, this great show takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career. From The Bang Years of the 1960s to the present day, you’ll soon find yourself singing along to all the hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever In Blue Jeans, Love On The Rocks, America and many more.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Billy Joel Albums Show 22 Oct

Solstice

+ support from Ebony Buckle

Saturday 2 September, 8pm £18.50

With the beguiling presence of new vocalist Jess Holland and the release of 2020 album Sia, Solstice have become the band to catch live this year. With a string of high-profile festival appearances from Glastonbury to Milan, the band’s star continues its rapid ascendence.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Megan Dixon Hood & Alesund 4 Jun

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

Sunday 3 September, 8pm £22.50

The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023. Join Paul Zerdin and an array of funny and sharp-tongued creations including Sam, Albert, Baby, Roger the Bodyguard and an urban fox, as he takes to the road with a show which promises that “when you are not laughing, you will simply be left in awe” (Three Weeks).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Pete Firman 24 Feb 2024

feeling peckish?

Our snack bar is open from 7pm serving a variety of snacks, soft drinks, teas and coffees. Or why not enjoy a luxury Marshfield Farm ice-cream during the interval? Save time at the bar! Place your interval drinks order at the bar before the show starts.

For more information on eatingand drinking at The Stables visit stables.org

Urzila Carlson: Just No

Wednesday 6 September, 8pm £19

Multi-award-winning South African/New Zealander Urzila Carlson returns to the UK with her new show, Just No, in which she reveals that it’s our frustrations that bring us together – not sport, not love, not peace, but people who do us wrong or get on our tits. Urzila has garnered a legion of fans worldwide in recent years, not least thanks to her hit Netflix hour-long comedy special Overqualified Loser which was released in 190 countries.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Suzi Ruffell 25 July

Shear Brass

Thursday 7 September, 8pm £25

Shear Brass bring a dynamic new approach to the music of one of Britain’s greatest ever jazz pianists and composers. Reinterpreting classics such as Conception and reintroducing lesser-known tunes including Night Flight, this richly varied live show mirrors Shearing’s own development, encompassing swing, bebop, cool and Latin jazz, topped off with some of the most celebrated vocal numbers of the 20th century.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Emma Johnson Trio 11 Jun

Marty Wilde

Friday 8 September, 8pm £32

Marty Wilde began his career in 1957 and was one of the first British singers to play a leading role in those formative and groundbreaking rock’n’roll years. Tonight Marty celebrates eight decades as a recording artist and songwriter, performing many of his greatest hits including Teenager In Love, Endless Sleep and Donna, alongside a host of other wonderful songs from the era.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Tony Christie 12 Jul

Jordan Gray: Is It A Bird?

Saturday 9 September, 8pm £27.50

Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and a gamechanging set on Channel 4’s Friday Night Live, the UK’s premier transgender comedian returns to take on babies, boobies, bigots and Batman in this blistering music and comedy show. Jordan has suddenly become one of the UK’s most exciting and celebrated rising comics, recently winning the Channel 4 Comedy Breakthrough Star Award.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Urzila Carlson 6 Sep

Karnataka

Sunday 10 September, 8pm £16.50

Award winning Karnataka are set to grace the stage again and perform their brand-new and much anticipated studio album Requiem For A Dream live for the first time. Expect epic new tracks and some classic fan favourites from the back catalogue.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hayley Griffiths Band 25 Oct

Seann Walsh: Back From The Bed

Wednesday 13 September, 8pm £16.50

Hello, Seann here. Did you know that comedians have to write their own blurb? I find that absolutely insane. What am I meant to say? “I’m fantastic, come and look at me talk”? I don’t know. It’s me. I do stand-up. I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with ‘Same Again?’ felt a bit triggering after the year we’ve had. So it is now called ‘Back From The Bed’.”

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Stephen K Amos 4 Nov

Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush

Thursday 14 September, 8pm £26.50 & £25

Cloudbusting can’t wait to share their love for the music of Kate Bush as they bring their Love & Anger tour to The Stables. Exploring Kate’s unique repertoire, Cloudbusting take you on an extraordinary journey as they explore the themes of love and anger. Whether exhilarating or tormented, joyful or anguished, innocent, bitter or even taboo, one thing for sure is that it’s never a simple path in Kate’s songbook!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Bootleg Blondie 15 Jun

Standing only available

Shakatak

Friday 15 September, 8pm £23.50

The 1980s hitmakers Shakatak return to one of their favourite venues. They’ll be playing songs you remember from over the years such as Night Birds and Down On The Street, along with some new material. Join original members Bill Sharpe, Jill Saward, Roger Odell and George Anderson for a night of jazz funk at its best.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jazz Dynamos 30 Jun

Fleetwood Bac

Saturday 16 September, 8pm £22 Standing only available Fleetwood Bac are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic Rumours line-up. The sound, the look and the on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that has won the seal of approval from ‘Big Daddy’ Mick himself and earned an excellent reputation among Mac fans.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Talon 17 & 18 Nov

Mark Watson: Search

Sunday 17 September, 8pm £22.50

Mark Watson’s 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the Taskmaster star and multi-award-winner returns to consider the search for meaning that we’re all on, with or without Google. There’ll be a lot of jokes, and a show that’s different every night.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Seann Walsh 13 Sep

Shawn Colvin

Monday 18 September, 8pm £33.50

Over the course of three decades, Shawn Colvin has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller, well-deserving of the commendation of her peers and the devoted audiences who have been inspired by her artistry. As a songwriter and performer, she continues to reaffirm her status as a vital voice in music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Laura Cantrell 26 Jun

Thereza Bazar’s Dollar: Oh L’ Tour

Wednesday 20 September, 8pm £33.50

£73 Meet-and-greet Super VIP; £43.50 VIP

Thereza Bazar and David Van Day formed Dollar in 1978. The hits soon stacked up and in 1981 they collaborated with legendary producer Trevor Horn, who produced the Dollar smash hits Mirror Mirror and Give Me Back My Heart. Now Thereza hits the road for a spectacular show celebrating the Dollar song collection.

Promoted by Bazar Productions Ltd

The Stars From The Commitments

Thursday 21 September, 8pm £33

This outstanding live stage show features an amazing live band featuring original Commitments cast members and musicians from the Golden Globe- and Oscar-nominated smash hit Sir Alan Parker film. The show consists of two hours of sizzling soul music and is a thrilling live experience.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Northern Soul Live 15 Jul

Abba Forever

Friday 22 September, 8pm £30

The unique Abba sound is replicated with incredible attention to detail by this seven-piece band which features electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, bass and drums. Two outstanding Abba girls complete the line-up, adding the essential glitz and glamour to a well-polished and gently humorous show.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Cavern Beatles 5 Nov

Daphne’s Flight

Saturday 23 September, 8pm £21

The music of Daphne’s Flight is a magical layering of sensitivity, beauty, experience and empowerment. The group continue to inspire audiences with the warmth, energy and sheer joy they bring to their performances. Join them tonight as they return to the stage promoting their highly anticipated third studio album On Arrival.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kyshona 16 Jun

Back to Bacharach

Sunday 24 September, 8pm £27.50

Featuring breathtaking performances from a West End cast and the amazing musicianship of The Magic Moments Orchestra, Back to Bacharach celebrates the timeless masterpieces of Burt Bacharach. Join us for an evening that features all of his greatest hits, including Alfie, What The World Needs Now and The Look Of Love.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook 1 Sep

Wishbone Ash

Monday 25 September, 8pm £33.50

Discover for yourself why Wishbone Ash are one of the most enduring and popular bands in British rock. With millions of albums sold, their iconic twin-guitar sound inspired bands from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden and produced such classics tracks as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword and Blowin’ Free.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook 1 Sep

Go Now! The Music of the Moody Blues

Wednesday 27 September, 8pm £27.50

Go Now! is the brainchild of drummer Gordy Marshall, who toured with the band for 25 years. Together with Mick Wilson (10cc), he has brought together some of the UK’s best musicians to create the ultimate tribute to the Moody Blues. Hit songs such as Nights In White Satin, Go Now and Isn’t Life Strange are beautifully recreated live, and sound as close to the orginal recordings as you will ever hear.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: G2 Genesis 2, 3, 4 Jun

support our work

The success of our music and education programme depends on the generous support of many individuals and organisations.

Become a Friend of The Stables –benefits include priority booking and ticket discounts.

Name a Seat – your chosen name on a seat in the auditorium. Leave a gift in your will to help nurture the next generation of musicians.

The Wonder of Stevie

Thursday 28 September, 8pm £31.50

Award-winning vocalist Noel McCalla and his world-class live band present a diverse catalogue of back-to-back hits including Superstition, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Isn’t She Lovely, I Wish, Sir Duke, Master Blaster and many more. Featuring musicians who have performed with music legends Bill Withers, Amy Winehouse, Jools Holland, The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Martha Reeves, Jamiroquai and Alfie Boe.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Stars from the Commitments 21 Sep

Voice of the Heart: Tribute To The Carpenters

Friday 29 September, 8pm £25

It is now just over 30 years since the legendary Karen Carpenter passed away, leaving behind an amazing catalogue of hit songs and golden memories. This stunning show celebrates the music of The Carpenters – an evening guaranteed to lead everyone through a magical memory.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook 1 Sep

Ruby Turner

Saturday 30 September, 8pm £26.50

One of the country’s best-loved soul divas stops by for an upclose-and-personal night at The Stables. Expect to hear plenty of those earthy, warm, heartrending ballads with which she made her name, along with a selection of her own songs.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Real Thing 10 Nov

Axel Blake: In Style

Sunday 1 October, 8pm £22.50

Britain’s Got Talent 2022 winner Axel Blake is heading out on the road with his new show. From the wilds of Dunstable, Axel arrived on the country’s living room screens in style as Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer on BGT. His observational comedy paired with his witty charm captivated the audience propelling him to be crowned 2022 champion of the hit show.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 17 Sep

Brian Bilston

Tuesday 3 October, 8pm £16.50

Brian Bilston has been described as the Banksy of poetry and Twitter’s unofficial poet laureate – with more than 200,000 followers on social media, he has become truly beloved by the online community. His latest book Days Like These: An Alternative Guide To The Year In 366 Poems is out now in hardback.

Judy Collins

Wednesday 4 October, 8pm £33.50

Cultural treasure Judy Collins performs her 29th studio album Spellbound, alongside material from a career spanning more than 50 years. Her latest album demonstrates an artistic renaissance and features 12 modern folk songs and a reworking of her much-loved track The Blizzard.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Laura Cantrell 26 Jun

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

Thursday 5 October, 8pm £31

As attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jason Byrne 16 Nov

The Enid

Friday 6 October, 8pm £25

2023 sees the expansion of The Enid’s touring line-up with the introduction of virtuoso guitarist Alfredo Randazzo and renowned bassist, Tim Harries. The show will feature new music from the band.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Colosseum 31 Aug

Brother Strut

Saturday 7 October £30.50

Brother Strut are a funk and soul band made up of top session musicians who’ve sold over half-a-billion records between them. The band’s upcoming album features guest appearances by Cory Wong, Elkie Brooks, and John Thirkell. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, they’re returning to the road for a UK tour!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Funk Soul Orchestral 29 Feb 2024

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

Sunday 8 October, 8pm £25

Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world-class live jazz, narration and rare archive images and footage, the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage to celebrate The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Clare Teal Four 11 Nov

Stay connected! acknowledgements

The Stables would like to give a special thanks to the following for their valuable support:

• Arts Council England

• Cavatina Trust

• Dame Cleo Laine

• Dentons

• FCC Communities Foundation

• Garfield Weston

• MK Community Foundation

• PMC

• The Wavendon Foundation

Best of Queen

Thursday 12 October, 8pm £33

Get ready to Break Free with Majesty, the UK’s biggest Queen tribute band. Join Freddie, Brian, Roger and John as they take you on a magical journey, performing the music of the UK’s favourite rock band.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Abba Forever 22 Sep

Lindisfarne

Friday 13 October, 8pm £33

Legendary Tyneside 70s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne return to form with a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. The band’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Churchfitters 8 Dec

Nearly Dan

Saturday 14 October, 8pm £23.50

Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan are saviours to the growing legions of Dan fans desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Nearly Dan’s approach is faithful though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Talon 17 & 18 Nov

Limehouse Lizzy

Monday 16 October, 8pm £26

Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Phil Lynott alive and well. From receiving their official PRS award, performing for Virgin Atlantic in Barbados and TV appearances (BBC2’s Arena among others), to being recruited to record and tour by members of the original Thin Lizzy band, Limehouse Lizzy enter their 25th year with their most explosive show and critically acclaimed line-up yet.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kossoff – The Band Plays On 24 Jun

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening

Tuesday 17 October, 8pm

£23.50

‘The Darkening’ is the Northumbrian name for twilight, but this band’s music blazes fiercely… Kathryn Tickell brings her stellar band to the stage. Pipes, fiddle, lyre, drums and voices conjure spirits from ancient Northumbria, bringing them to life with a new resonance for the modern world.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jon Boden & Eliza Carthy 26 Nov

Ligeti String Quartet: Nuc

Wednesday 18 October, 8pm

£20

Anna Meredith has achieved incredible success straddling many musical worlds, never compromising her raw, individual style. This concert showcases the Ligeti Quartet’s new album, Nuc, providing a survey of her career to date, heard through her original works for string quartet. The result is a joyful, occasionally furious, never too serious collection of tracks which dazzle with Anna’s signature compulsive harmonies, rhythmic shifts of gear and sparkling textures.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Alina Orchestra 29 Oct

Free tickets for Under-25s

As a member of the Cavatina Trust ticket scheme, which enables young people to enjoy live chamber music, we are able to offer a limited number of free tickets to eight- to 25-year-olds for this concert. To book these tickets, contact the box office.

Albert Lee

Thursday 19 October, 8pm £29.50

Albert Lee is one of the world’s greatest guitarists, as well as an accomplished piano player blessed with a soulful voice. He has appeared and recorded with many of the finest performers in the music industry, including Glen Campbell, Dave Edmunds, Joan Armatrading and Joe Cocker. Albert was a member of The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris’s band and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and toured extensively with all of them.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Billy Joel Albums Show 22 Oct

Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Friday 20 October, 8pm £26.50 & £24.50

This is a big band extravaganza not to be missed – a rip-roaring swing journey performed by the finest musicians in the country and featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Neal Hefti, Billy May, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Expect to hear all your favourites, including In The Mood, The Peanut Vendor and Moonlight Serenade.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Len Phillips Swing Orchestra 22 Jun

Dario Napoli Trio

Sunday 22 October, 11.30am £16.50

Bandleader and guitarist Dario Napoli includes elements of modern musical styles such as bebop, funk and modern jazz in his version of gypsy swing. The result is an unpredictable and exuberant sound, leading you through a rich and vibrant sonic experience, without ever totally abandoning the gypsy imprint of Django Reinhardt.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Paul Higgs Quartet 19 Nov

Billy Joel Albums Show starring Elio Pace

with special guests Rhys Clark & Don Evans

Sunday 22 October, 8pm £33.50

The Albums Show is back... for a sixth and final time! Poised to become the first artist in the world to play all 12 of Billy Joel’s studio albums live on stage, the award-winning Elio Pace and his sensational band perform the final two albums of the 12 in their entirety – Cold Spring Harbor from 1971 and 1993’s River Of Dreams

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook 1 Sep

Alina Orchestra: Band In A Van

Monday 23 October, 11am & 2pm Free

Ideal for ages 4-12 & their families but young families and toddlers very welcome.(All children must be accompanied by an adult) Tickets are free but must be booked advance

Hayley Griffiths Band

Wednesday 25 October, 8pm £16.50

The Hayley Griffiths Band are thrilled to be returning to The Stables (previously as members of prog band Karnataka) with an eclectic evening of classic Celtic songs and uplifting, foot-tapping progressive rock. As former lead singer of the international phenomenon Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Hayley has enchanted audiences across the globe.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Karnataka 10 Sep

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

Thursday 26 October, 2pm £5 & £3

A brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. (117 minutes)

Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket

Alina Orchestra takes its musicians on the road and puts a Band In A Van to get to the heart of local communities. Don’t miss this family friendly, interactive concert where the audience is part of the event! Playing anything from Disney to classical, with audience participation, sing and play along, and a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 16+ 16+

Thursday 26 October, 8pm £25.50

Reverend Richard Coles is the only British vicar to have had a number-one hit single and to have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. He is also a Sunday Times bestselling author, Twitter phenomenon and enormously loved broadcaster. Sex, drugs, pop stardom, religious epiphany; love, a dream job and the madness of grief. Some or all of this may come out as Richard lifts the lid on a life truly and truthfully lived.

Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience featuring The Bluejays

Friday 27 October, 8pm £26.50

Charting the meteoric rise of rock’n’roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decade. Prepare to be enthralled by an evening of back-to-back hits, vibrant vintage costumes and colourful staging. Featuring note-perfect renditions of the most-loved songs from the 1950s and 60s, Rave On is performed by an incredibly talented band.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: New Amen Corner 13 Jul

China Crisis: China Greatness Tour

Saturday 28 October, 8pm £31

China Crisis were never your run-of-the-mill 1980s pop band. Formed in Liverpool by singer Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, they distilled their love of David Bowie and Steely Dan into an exquisitely melancholy post-punk sound that saw them win their just chart rewards, with hits such as Christian, Black Man Ray and King In A Catholic Style all making their way into the UK’s Top 20.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Tunde 7 Jun

Alina Orchestra: Golden Strings

Sunday 29 October, 8pm £27.50, £22.50 (under-16s £6)

Elgar Introduction & Allegro

Shostakovich Concerto no.1 in C minor for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, Op.35

Holst St Paul’s Suite

Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op.48

Join Alina Orchestra and their musical director Hilary Davan Wetton as they present their first concert at The Stables, featuring a celebration of some fantastic works for string orchestra.

The evening will feature a performance of Shostakovich’s light-hearted and muchloved Concerto, written for the unusual combination of trumpet, piano and strings, a piece full of excitement, energy and moments of virtuosic skill.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ligeti String Quartet 18 Oct

group of young musicians.

Box Tale Soup present Hansel & Gretel

Christmas Fun at The Stables

Monday 18-Saturday 23 December, performances daily 11am & 2pm (18 Dec, 4pm only)

Relaxed performance on Wednesday 20 December, 2pm

Hansel & Gretel are so excited, it’s their favourite time of year – Christmas! But when they get lost deep in the woods, it seems they’ll never make it back in time for Christmas dinner… until they discover a whole host of new friends willing to help them out! And perhaps the Witch living in that delicious gingerbread house isn’t quite what she seems…

Join award-winning Box Tale Soup for a brand-new festive take on this classic fairy tale adventure, with beautiful puppets, innovative theatre and magical original music.

A co-production with the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Running time approximately 55 mins Suitable for ages

TICKET PRICES

Adults £16.50

Children under-16 £14.50

Carers accompanying disabled patrons £12.75

Groups of 10+ £14.50

Schools £14.50

(one free teacher’s ticket for every 10 tickets booked)

Relaxed performance £14.50

“Would you like to hear the story? It begins two days before Christmas, with a Witch and a magic spell…”

stage 2

The Stables’ second performance space: intimate, relaxed and informal

Stage 2 is the ideal place to catch a star of tomorrow on their way up or enjoy more established artists experimenting with new material. With a capacity of just 80 for most gigs, there’s always an intimate and relaxed feel to proceedings.

Stage 2 hosts around 120 concerts each year of all shapes and sizes – folk, rock, blues and much more besides – along with a good smattering of comedy and theatre nights.

So come and hear the latest new music and comedy, relax and enjoy a drink with friends!

Rachel Fairburn Sun 8 Oct

Look out for these Stage 2 artists making their headline debuts this season

Alice Armstrong Band Thu 14 Sep Moscow Drug Club Thu 26 Oct

Jill Jackson

Friday 2 June, 8.45pm £15.50

Jill Jackson is one of Scotland’s leading singer-songwriters and an acclaimed artist on the thriving international Americana music scene. Her sensitive and sympathetic storytelling, heartrending vocals and sheer love of Americana music have drawn comparisons with the likes of Brandi Carlile and Joni Mitchell. Her most recent album Yours Aye was released last year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: ARC Songwriters’ Tour 30 Sep

Megan Dixon Hood & Alesund

Sunday 4 June, 8.45pm £11

Megan Dixon Hood is an independent artist taking inspiration from folklore, mythology, nature and human beings. Together with her band, Megan creates forest pop soundscapes that gather you up and immerse you in cinematic storytelling, led by haunting vocals that caress you in their hands or cut you straight in half.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Solstice 2 Sep

Paul Charles: Adventures in Wonderland

Wednesday 7 June, 8.45pm £11

Paul Charles is one of the world’s leading music agents. Over the past 40 years, he has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Van Morrison and Ray Davies of The Kinks. Come and hear him in conversation with Peter Van Hooke (producer of Paul Carrack and Nanci Griffiths) about his many years on the road as featured in his riveting memoir, Adventures in Wonderland.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Bob Harris in Conversation with Martyn Joseph 19 Aug

SuRie

Friday 9 June, 8.45pm £16.50

SuRie might be best known to you as the UK entry for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. Her music is crafted around stories from everyday life; seemingly insignificant moments that either lead to a nostalgic acceptance or to vital change. With one foot in classical music and the other tapping along to luminary songwriters, SuRie has always been inspired by the likes of Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Harriet 10 Jun

Albany Down

Saturday 10 June, 8.45pm £15.50 in advance, £18.50 on the door

Albany Down return to The Stables to celebrate the launch of their fourth studio album. The band will perform original tracks from the album together with fan favourites from previous releases.

Promoted by AD Recordings

The Carrivick Sisters

Thursday 15 June, 8.45pm £13.50

The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK’s top young bluegrass and folk acts. Twins Laura and Charlotte perform their original songs and instrumentals along with a few carefully chosen covers on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo. They grew up in South Devon, an area rich in folklore and legends, and much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Weeping Willows

Kyshona

17 Jun

Friday 16 June, 8.45pm £13.50

Kyshona is an artist ignited by untold stories and the capacity of those stories to thread connection in every community. With the background of a licensed music therapist, the curiosity of a writer and the resolve of an activist, Kyshona is unrelenting in her pursuit of the healing power of song. She blends roots, rock, R&B and folk with lyrical prowess. Her release, Listen, was voted best protest album of 2020 by Nashville Scene.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Daphne’s Flight 23 Sep

The Weeping Willows

Saturday 17 June, 8.45pm £13.50

CMAA Golden Guitar, Australian Folk Music and Music Victoria Award winners, Australian duo The Weeping Willows make their Stables debut. Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth are a couple of old souls, steeped in bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. They regale their audiences with stories of sunshine and romance, God and the Devil, murder and decay. Real music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Carrivick Sisters

15 Jun

Chris Fox

Friday 23 June, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

A genre-defying folk troubadour, Chris Fox has made rapid progress through the UK folk and roots scene with his songwriting, using a variety of styles across the roots lexicon of traditional and contemporary folk, Americana, country and blues. His naturally laid-back, unostentatious style creates the perfect ambience for an intimate and inclusive live experience, drawing in listeners with tales of both the everyday and the unexpected.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Winter Mountain 6 Oct

Stokes & Summers: Careering

Friday 7 July, 8.45pm £13.50

In the immortal words of Britney Spears, “You want a Lamborghini? Sippin’ martinis?”, Stokes & Summers don’t want Lamborghinis, they just want to pay their rent. Welcome to Hades House where every floor is full of stories, every office is full of oddballs and at every desk sits someone dealing with their own particular mess. A comedy about the quirks and perks of the modern workplace from the Evening Standard Theatre Award nominees.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Urzila Carlson 6 Sep

Steve Gifford

+ support from Monty Lynds & Pat Nicholson

Sunday 16 July, 8.45pm £13.50

Steve Gifford toured with his band for nine years, playing festivals and venues the length and breadth of the country. With six studio albums released over the past two decades, he remains one of the UK’s most prolific songwriters of his generation. Steve currently plays solo and brings his unique guitar picking style of acoustic country blues and folk to venues across the UK.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Toby Walker 22 Sep

Fraser Anderson Band

Friday 1 September, 8.45pm £13.50

Scottish born singer-songwriter Fraser Anderson returns to The Stables with his new super group featuring John Parker (double bass), Holly Carter (guitar/pedal steel) and Bex Baxter (vocals). The band will be promoting their new album All We Are which was released earlier this year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Matt Owens 7 Sep

The Canny Band

Sunday 3 September, 8.45pm £13.50

The Canny Band are Sam Mabbett, Michael Biggins (BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021) and Callum Convoy – a rare fusion of piano, diatonic button accordion and bodhran. In 2021 the band won the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Up and Coming award, which led to a busy summer touring festivals around Scotland and England.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Peatbog Faeries 22 Jul

become a friend

Enjoy some great benefits including priority booking, discounted tickets and the What’s On Brochure four times a year!

Becoming a Friend also plays a vital role in the funding of The Stables’ live music, entertainment and education activities.

Matt Owens & The Delusional Vanity Project

Thursday 7 September, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Matt Owens first came to prominence as a founder member of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, and he’s just released his third album, Beer For The Horses, with his seven-piece all-star band The Delusional Vanity Project. Over the past few years Matt has been working with the likes of Thea Gilmore, Robert Vincent and Hannah White.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Fraser Anderson Band 1 Sep

Alice Armstrong Band

Thursday 14 September, 8.45pm £13.50

Anyone who has heard Alice Armstrong live will tell you that few can match her diversity, stage presence and range. Previous work with bands such as Crossfire and a co-written album with the Stevie Watts Organ Trio have seen her in the top 20 IBBA albums of 2020 and secured her multiple nominations at the 2021 UK Blues Awards, including Emerging Artist and Band of the Year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Long Road Home 14 Oct

Toby Walker

Friday 22 September, 8.45pm £14

Toby Walker is an award-winning, roots music fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and songwriter who has toured the US, UK, Canada and Europe. Blending the styles of blues, ragtime, country, bluegrass, old-time jazz and rock, Toby has developed his own style and as such, has received numerous awards, including the International Blues Challenge Award in Memphis.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Albert Lee 19 Oct

Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends 40th Anniversary Show

Saturday 23 September, 8.45pm £15

Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends are now established as one of the most popular groups on the UK and international jazz entertainment scene. The Jazz Friends specialise in lively, alwaysswinging jazz.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Syd Lawrence Orchestra 20 Oct

The ARC Songwriters’ Tour

Saturday 30 September, 8.45pm £13.50

The ARC Songwriters’ Tour, inspired by Gretchen Peters’ Wine Women & Song, is a unique event for fans of harmonies, stories, Americana, roots, country, folk and more. Featuring the combined talents of My Girl The River, Kate Ellis and Anna Howie, the show fuses a blend of American and British styles, performed ‘in the round’.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jill Jackson 2 Jun

Winter Mountain

Friday 6 October, 8.45pm £13.50

Hailing from the northern shores of Cornwall, Americana/folk singer-songwriter Joe Francis is Winter Mountain. He has released two albums and toured with the likes of Cara Dillon, Seth Lakeman and Guy Garvey. Winter Mountain will perform new material, including a showcase of his latest project From The Beacon To The Brea, a collection of songs inspired by the myths and legends of Cornwall, as well as his back catalogue of folk/pop tracks.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Cara Dillon 12 Nov

Josienne Clark

Saturday 7 October, 8.45pm £16.50

Indie-folk singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Josienne Clarke is often said to draw on traditional British folk inspirations, but is a thoroughly modern, multi-faceted artist who follows her own compass. Blessed with a voice of crystalline beauty and clarity that has been compared to Sandy Denny, her myriad talents translate effortlessly to the live space in performances that are all her own.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jill Jackson 2 Jun

Rachel Fairburn: Showgirl

Sunday 8 October, 8.45pm £18

Comedian Rachel Fairburn is back with a new touring show. She’ll be casting her acerbic eye over everything from your children to her pretentious new alcohol-free life (accurate at time of writing). She’s worried though. Has she mellowed a bit? She carries a lucky crystal now. Catch her before she disappears to the countryside with only joss sticks and taxidermy for company.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jo Caulfield 1 Dec

Christina Alden and Alex Patterson

Thursday 12 October, 8.45pm £11 in advance £13.50 on the door

Christina Alden and Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye for crafting stories with the natural world at their heart.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hannah James and Toby Kuhn 13 Mar 2024

Long Road Home

Saturday 14 October, 8.45pm £13.50

Long Road Home have their roots firmly planted in the blues/ rock genre and have created a unique sound amalgamating various musical styles. You can expect to hear fresh original rockers and blues-influenced tunes taken from their debut album, combined with some classic blues and rock numbers. The band features Storm Warning founding members bassist Derek White and keyboard player Ian Salisbury, plus guitarist Steve Summers.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Alice Armstrong Band 14 Sep

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Wednesday 18 October, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Compere Andrew Bird introduces comedians Russell Hicks and Karen Bayley. (Line-up is subject to change.)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Rachel Fairburn

8 Oct

Dom Martin: Buried In The Hail Tour

+ support from Delta Fuse

Friday 20 October, 8.45pm £20

Dom Martin is a Belfast-born, multi-award-winning artist inspired but not constrained by the blues. In 2019 he burst onto the music scene with his unique guitar style and voice, captivating audiences everywhere. This unassuming musician is another fine product of the famous Belfast music factory responsible for the likes of Van Morrison, Gary Moore, Paul Brady, Brian Kennedy and many more.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ben Poole & Catfish 23 Nov

Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse

Sunday 22 October, 8.45pm £14.50

Brooklyn’s celebrated hammered dulcimer player Max ZT and singer-songwriter and poet Dan Whitehouse step out on their second live tour together. The duo perform an evening of spoken word interwoven with music and song, drawing on a shared belief in the healing power of music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Fraser Anderson Band 1 Sep

Standing Gig

Moscow Drug Club

Thursday 26 October, 8.45pm £22.50

Imagine having a few to drink and staggering arm in arm into the darkness of an eastern European cobbled street and into a bar where Django Reinhardt and Tom Waits are having an after-hours jam with the local Tziganes. Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Eartha Kitt, Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Dario Napoli Trio 22 Oct

Sound of the Sirens

Saturday 28 October, 8.45pm £16.50

Sound of the Sirens – Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood – are a singer-songwriting duo who have cemented themselves as one of the finest folk acts on the UK and international scene. The pairs’ musical and vocal dexterity dovetail beautifully on co-written songs, which range from beautiful, emotive ballads, to up-beat, foot stomping, hands in the air, sing-along anthems. Their album Damage Control was released last year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: O’Hooley & Tidow 15 Nov

Heritage Open Day Tours

Sunday 10 September, tours at 11am, 12noon and 1pm

Tickets: Tours are free, but must be booked in advance, limited numbers

You’ve sat in the Jim Marshall Auditorium… you’ve enjoyed the music ... the ambience… the acoustics…

But have you ever wondered how The Stables works as a building? What it’s like walking on the trampoline at the top of the main auditorium? How does fresh air reach you and the essential communications reach the control desk? And what’s The Stables experience like for our visiting artists?

Led by architect Peter Hall, who will explain how The Stables was conceived, these Heritage Open Day tours will give you a unique opportunity to visit backstage areas and gain a better understanding of why The Stables is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest music venues.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S BURSARIES

We don’t want anyone to miss out because of their family circumstances, so we offer means-tested bursaries for those needing financial help to attend. If a workshop or course says Bursaries Available, visit www.stables.org/learning/youthbursaries for more information.

The Rock Experience Adult/15+ Course

Sundays 4, 11, 18, 25 June, 2 July, 10am-1pm; Sunday 9 July 2-11pm (includes final 7.30pm performance)

£95 (£75 students)

The perfect course for aspiring rock and pop musicians who would like the chance to play in a band, meet other musicians and learn from experienced tutors. Whatever your instrument, whether you are a back-bedroom guitarist, budding vocalist, or interested in forming a band of your own, The Rock Experience is a great opportunity to take the first steps. You’ll be supported and coached by our tutors in rehearsal and performance skills, finishing on the final Sunday in a gig on The Stables stage.

To take part, you will need to have some experience of playing your instrument and be confident enough to have a go playing alongside other people, but no previous band experience is necessary. If you are in an existing or newly formed band and would like to take part, contact The Stables Learning and Participation Department for more information at education@stables.org.

Refresher Sax from Scratch Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 17 June, 9.30am-12.30pm

£26

Following on from the absolute beginners Sax from Scratch workshop, this Refresher workshop will enable students to have more fun playing on one of our saxophones, or bring their own sax, with a view to developing their skills and techniques. Ideal for those that have attended previous Sax from Scratch workshops, or for early beginners who would like to develop their playing.

Cajon Beginners Workshop Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 2 July, 1.30-4.30pm

£26

The Cajon (wooden box), the smallest drum kit in the world, is the perfect powerful accompaniment instrument to any kind of band, be it blues, hip hop, boogie, rock, pop, folk or latin – providing a full snare and rich bass sound. Cajones come in various shapes, sizes and styles and during this one-day workshop you’ll get hands-on experience to fully discover a range of possibilities this versatile instrument can provide. Covering tones, exercises and rhythms, this workshop is suitable for kit drummers and hand drummers alike. Please bring a cajon (with snare wires inside) if you have one or contact education@stables.org if you need to borrow one (limited numbers available).

Summer Songwriting Workshops for Young People Write & Record a Song in a Day

Wednesday 2 August, 10am-3pm For ages 10-11

Thursday 3 August, 10am-3pm For ages 12-14

Workshop fee £20; bursaries available

Would you like a creative day of music making?

Work with other young musicians to create a brand new group song? Through warm-ups, word games, musical play and teamwork in this workshop you’ll learn how a song can start, how to contribute ideas, listen to other peoples’ ideas and bring them all together to create and perform a brand new song and record it as a group.

Develop Your Songwriting Skills

Friday 4 August, 10am-3pm For ages 15 - 16

Workshop fee £20; bursaries available

In small groups you’ll learn how to collaborate with other songwriters, how to start to generate musical and lyrical ideas, song structures, what works and what doesn’t, and if are there ‘rules’ and when to break them. Suitable for anyone wanting to try songwriting for the first time, or those that have already started their songwriting journey.

Workshop leader John Bowman is founder of the Notivate singer/songwriting programme, and has helped more than 5,000 young people in Europe and Africa to record over 1,000 songs. As a pianist and arranger he collaborates regularly with established singersongwriters, touring widely and appearing on numerous commercial recordings.

Saxophone Beginners Course Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 9 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December, 9.30am-12.30pm (four session course)

£69

This course offers beginner saxophonists the opportunity to learn as part of a group. Through practical musical activities and exploring tunes you’ll start to build confidence and develop some of the technical and musical skills to play the saxophone. The course is suitable for beginners who have attended our Sax from Scratch or Refresher workshops or had another basic introduction to the saxophone. Participants will need to bring their own tenor, alto or baritone sax.

Saxophone Improving Beginners Course Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 9 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December, 1-4pm (four-session course)

£69

This course offers returning saxophonists the opportunity to learn as part of a group through a fun programme of practical musical activities and performance. It aims to help students develop core technical, performance and improvisation skills and build confidence.

Students must have their own instruments and ideally have attended previous Stables Saxophone from Scratch, Refresher and Improving Beginners workshops. If you have any other recent playing experience and are interested in joining the course, contact education@stables.

Harmonica Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 9 September, 10am-3pm £34

Learn the basics of playing harmonica in this popular workshop, where you’ll be introduced to tune playing, chord-playing and blues improvisation. No previous harmonica experience is necessary, but you’ll need to bring a 10-hole harmonica in C. (The follow-on Harmonica Beginners Part 2 workshop on Saturday 21 October)

Saxophone from Scratch Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 23 September, 9.30am-12.30pm OR 1-4pm £26

Have you ever wanted to try the saxophone but didn’t know where to start? Do you want to try it for the first time or have a go before buying one? Starting with the absolute basics, this workshop takes you on a on a step-by-step approach to making your first sounds, breathing tips, exercises, learning fingerings and scale patterns and playing simple melodies from those scales. No previous musical experience is required. You’ll be in a small group of beginners and in a friendly and supportive learning environment. Instruments are provided for use in the workshop, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring it along for advice and comparison, especially if it is one you may be practicing on after the workshop.

Saxophone Study Group Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 16 September, 14 October, 11 November, 9 December (four-session course) Group 1, 9.30am-12.30pm OR Group 2, 1-4pm £69

This course is for saxophonists with more than two years’ experience and looking to reach an intermediate standard (equivalent to Grade 3 plus) on their instrument. You will have the opportunity to learn through a structured programme of study, incorporating a mixture of scale and study work, duet and group performance and improvisation activities.

The focus is on having fun, building confidence and competence in a supportive environment which enables students to progress in their musical development. Contact us on education@stables.org to find out availability of places, and also so we can advise you which of the two groups is suitable to join and if your recent sax playing experience is suitable for the course.

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 30 September, 10am-3pm £36

This practical workshop introduces the blues, looking at playing techniques such as turnarounds, shuffles and basic basslines, demystifying ‘V-IV-I’ blues chord sequences. We’ll also explore fundamental blues techniques such as finger picking, hammerons and pull-offs, using examples from classic Blues recordings. You will need to be comfortable with the chords of E, A and B7 and be able to change confidently between them. It will also be helpful if you have some knowledge of the E minor pentatonic scale.

Melodeon Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 30 September, 10am-3pm £42

A rare chance for beginners to pick up and play the small but mighty melodeon (aka button accordion/squeezebox), with expert guidance from tutor Mel Biggs. Drawing on traditional English dance tunes, the workshop will introduce learning the instrument left hand first to develop effective rhythmical control and coordination, before learning your first tune with both hands. This workshop is for anyone interested in English folk music, folk dance or trying a squeezebox for the first time. Participants do not need to read music notation, and no previous melodeon or folk music experience is required, but a basic knowledge of music (scales, chords, time signatures) will help. This workshop is for instruments tuned in D/G with a minimum of 2-rows and 8-basses. Limited numbers are available to borrow – please contact us at education@stables.org.

Ukulele Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 14 October, 10am-3pm £36

The ukulele is a fun and accessible instrument making a big comeback in popular music and in education. This workshop is ideal for beginners to learn the basics of playing, how to accompany songs and ukulele techniques. Come and take part in the ukulele revival! No prior experience necessary! Participants will need to bring a soprano-, concert- or tenor-sized ukulele.

Harmonica Beginners Part 2 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 21 October, 10am-3pm £34

Learn more of the basics of harmonica playing in this Beginners Part 2 workshop. This session will consolidate the work you have already done on improvisation, tune playing and chugging at Part 1 and move on to the fundamental blues technique of note bending. Participants will need a 10-hole harmonica in C. Prior attendance on Beginners Part 1 is recommended.

The Jazz Experience for Beginners Adult/15+ Course

Sundays 15, 22, 29 October; 5, 19, 26 November, 10am-12.30pm; end of course performance, 26 November, 2pm £92 (£72 Over 18 students???)

For instrumental players new to jazz, this course will help introduce you the language and repertoire of jazz. With the help of expert tutors you’ll work through activities and play in both small and large groups, all designed to help you begin to understand the roots of jazz and how to begin playing it.

You’ll also work towards learning a selection of wellknown jazz tunes from memory, in preparation for an informal performance on the final afternoon. The course is open to players of piano, guitar, bass, drum kit, brass, reed or woodwind, but numbers of rhythm section instruments (bass, drums, guitar, piano) are limited in order to balance the bands.

You’ll also be directed to some listening examples before the course and will need to be familiar with the following scales and chords: Concert pitch instruments: Bb, C, G ‘Blues’ scales; C, Eb, F major scales. Bb instruments: D, C, A ‘Blues’ scales; D, F, G Major scales Eb instruments: A,G, E ‘Blues’ scales; A, C, D Major scales. Chords (rhythm section): Major7: Eb, Ab; Min7: Cm7, Fm7, Gm7, Am7 ; G7, C7, F7, Bb7, Eb7, Ab7, D7.

Mandolin Beginners

Saturday 21 October, 10am-3pm

Adult/15+ Workshop

£37

The mandolin is a popular instrument used in a range of styles including country, bluegrass, traditional folk and Irish music. It is great as a melody or rhythm instrument and this workshop will introduce both styles of playing. It will look at basic technique, simple tunes, chord shapes and progressions, and playing as a group and is suitable for those who have some basic experience of stringed instruments (such as guitar, ukulele, banjo, bouzouki, violin) and who can play basic open chords and a few scales of tunes. An ability to read tablature is useful but not essential. Please bring a mandolin if you have one or contact education@stables.org if you need to borrow one (limited numbers available).

Singing Lead Vocals and Microphone Technique

Sunday 29 October, 1.30-5.00pm

Adult/15+ Workshop

£27

For singers who want to explore some of the technical, artistic and practical aspects of singing with a microphone. Perhaps you already sing in a choir, or play in a band, and want to try solo or lead vocals? You’ll look at equipment essentials, microphone technique and which mic to use, understanding monitoring, fold back and live mixing to get the best out of your sound, how to approach different styles of music such as rock, pop or jazz and how to tackle the challenges of fronting a band, whatever the size. You’ll also look at how ‘phrasing’ can help with the challenges of some songs and have a go at singing with backing tracks and stripped-down guitar accompaniment.

Latin Percussion for Beginners Adult/15+ Course

Sundays 22 October, 19 November, 10 December, 1.30-4.30pm

(three-session course)

£53

This introductory course is a chance to enjoy the experience of playing percussion in an ensemble, to develop your playing skills and an understanding of latin rhythms, instruments and styles. You’ll look at how the percussion is built up for a salsa band and how that can develop to play in other latin and popular music styles.

You’ll use instruments including congas, bongos, timbales, maracas, guiro, claves and cowbells, and learn how different percussion patterns interlock and work together to create energetic and infectious rhythms. Instruments are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have them and would like to try playing them in a group.

The course is suitable for anyone who has a basic technique in hand drumming from playing conga or other hand drums (able to play basic patterns with bass, slap and open tone) and has some basic rhythm skills gained from playing drumkit or other percussion. (Contact education@ stables.org if you need further advice.)

The Stables Bar

The Stables Bar is open from 7pm on concert nights, serving a wide range of drinks for you to enjoy during the evening.

Beers & Lagers

Our well stocked bar has a selection of quality draught and bottled beers, lagers and cider. Our Guest beers are back by popular demand so look out for the latest cask offering.

Drivers Drinks

We now have several low alcohol options for the driver in your party –Adnams Ghostship, Heineken Zero and Old Mout Berries & Cherries Cider. For the gin drinker we have alcohol-free Seedlip spiced gin. These are in addition to our wide range of soft drinks, still & sparkling.

Interval Orders

Beat the queue in the interval by pre-ordering your drinks. Collect and enjoy at your leisure, either in our foyer or back in your seat.

Snack Bar

Hot and cold drinks are available – treat yourself to a hot chocolate or latte accompanied by a sweet treat from our tempting selection. Cool down for the summer with an ice cream from our refreshing Marshfield range.

Summer Specials

You can’t have a British summer without Pimms! Always available to keep you refreshed in the hottest of evenings. Or try one of our gins, including our latest local offering – Wolverton Gin – with a mixer from our small select range.

21–30 Ju ly 10 Amazing Days

Get ready for a feast of live music, circus shows, comedy, cabaret, outdoor and large-scale events, installations and free family events taking place in unusual places and surprising spaces across central Milton Keynes.

Gratte Ciel: Place des A nges

written and directed by Pierrot Bidon and Stéphane Girard

Friday 28 & Saturday 29 July, 9.45pm

A beautiful, astonishing and breathtaking spectacle to enchant audiences of all ages

As night falls across the city, angels begin to appear, high up in the sky They move through the air, magically suspended above the crowd below As the angels star t to glide down into the audience, they release white feathers which float across the sky As the angels’ aerial antics become more boisterous, the clouds of feathers thicken, creating a sense of awe and wonder.

Location Secklow Gate D3 Car Park, Milton Keynes (next to The Point)

Tickets £6

Rebecca Louise Law: The Place Between

with Soundscapes by Jason Singh

Friday 14 – Sunday 30 July

Discover the secret life of flowers and plants in this huge, immersive hanging garden. A contemplative space which invites you to explore our relationship with the Earth and the cycle of life

A special commission by centre:mk in collaboration with IF: Milton Keynes International Festival.

Be part of The Place Between Find out about how you can help create this colossal installation by donating plant material and supporting the artists at ifmiltonkeynes.org

WORLD PREMIERE

Location

Middleton Hall, centre:mk, Milton Keynes

Les Commandos Percu: Silence!

Friday 21 July, 9.45pm

Fusing innovative percussion, extraordinary special effects and pyrotechnics, Les Commandos Percu create an astounding wave of energy on the opening night of this year’s Festival.

Location Campbell Park Bulbfield, Milton Keynes

Be Flat: Follow Me

Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 July, 3.30pm

Join Be Flat for a walk full of playful street acrobatics!

Tuesday 25 – Thursday 27 July, 9.30pm

Family Focus

This year’s Festival will be packed full of family friendly shows and experiences for the child in all of us to enjoy

Weekends: 21–23 and 28–30

July at locations across central Milton Keynes

The Stables Sessions: Acoustic Stage

New sounds, emerging talent and unsigned bands including:

• Hannah Scott • Joe Bygraves • Robert Lane

• Navaro • Lizzy Hardingham • Billy Hardingham

• Lilac Fall • Sunsinger & the High Seas

• Anna Hester • Smith & Brewer • Tremaine Dawkins

• Barbara Nesbitt • Natasha Seale • Detweiler

• Elizabeth & Jameson • Jinder • Chris Cleverley

• Amit Dattani • Midori Jaeger • Manny Ademolu

• Billy Watman • Roses & Pirates • Palmerston

EVENTS

Location Arabian Tent, Festival Central, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes

Welcome to The Stables Spiegeltent Festival Central

The Spiegeltent is the Festival’s exotic setting for live music, comedy and cabaret

Beautifully constructed with wood, stained glass, velvet drapes and mirrors, and complete with its own bar, The Spiegeltent is the beating heart of the Festival. The events below and on the following pages are all taking place in The Spiegeltent as part of this year’s Festival.

Location Campbell Park Events

Plateau, Milton Keynes

Barely Methodical Troupe: Bromance

Fri 21 July, 6.45pm; Sat 22 July, 7pm; Sun 23 July, 2pm £24, under-16s £22

Award-winning smash hit Bromance is an audacious, touching, exhilarating tour de force of physical heroics where handshakes become handstands and backslaps become backflips.

LINKED TICKET DEAL

£36.50 for any performance of Bromance and An Evening Without Kate Bush in the same transaction – saving £7.50

Abandoman: Future Music

Friday 21 July, 8.45pm £13.50

Welcome to the world of Ireland’s finest hip-hop musical comedian, Rob Broderick, a.k.a. Abandoman. Rob takes you on a magical journey, transforming the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs and captivating tales.

LINKED TICKET DEAL

£31 for any performance of Bromance and Abandoman in the same transaction – saving £6

Nick Cope Family Concert

Saturday 22 July, 11am & 1.30pm £14.50, under-16s £12.50

Nick Cope has been performing his wonderful songs for families for more than 10 years. Nick has an incredible fan base which has grown enormously due to the phenomenal success of his CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast. He performs his uniquely crafted songs, accompanied by a backdrop of his own beautifully animated projections.

Peatbog Faeries

Saturday 22 July, 9pm £27.50

From the moment the legendary Scottish trailblazers take to the stage, the mood is set for a no-nonsense, feel-good atmosphere, as they draw on a dazzling array of musical influences. This is a standing/dancing show with limited seating

LINKED

TICKET DEAL

£46 for any performance of Bromance and Peatbog Faeries in the same transaction – saving £4

An Evening Without Kate Bush

Sunday 23 July, 8pm £20

Release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Sarah-Louise Young pays glorious homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.

LINKED

TICKET DEAL

£36.50 for any performance of Bromance and An Evening Without Kate Bush in the same transaction – saving £7.50

Los Pacaminos

featuring Paul Young

Monday 24 July, 8pm £25

Los Pacaminos are now in their 30th year and show no signs of hanging up their boots. With an unmatched live reputation, two acclaimed studio albums and two live albums under their belts, the band continues to explore and celebrate the music of the Deep Southwest.

Suzi Ruffell: Snappy

Tuesday 25 July, 8pm £16.50

Comedian Suzi Ruffell’s new show is all about settling down (but not settling), becoming a mother (without becoming mumsy) and still worrying about everything. Suzi has appeared on numerous shows such as Live At The Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show and Womanhood to name but just a few.

Karine Polwart & Dave Milligan: Still As Your Sleeping

Wednesday 26 July, 8pm £20

An evening of intimate, stripped-back songs performed entirely with voice and grand piano. Karine Polwart is a seven-time winner at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and her latest album is a collaboration with renowned jazz/folk pianist Dave Milligan. Deceptively simple, yet devastatingly powerful, the album is threaded through with images of stillness and flux.

Turin Brakes

+ support from Elizabeth & Jameson

Thursday 27 July, 8pm £25

Recent reviews cite Turin Brakes as ‘a formidable live act with equally killer songs’. Turin Brakes released Mercury Prizeshortlisted Optimist LP in March 2001 and since then have racked up seven top 40 singles, seven top 40 albums and over a million record sales worldwide.

Toyah Willcox & Robert Fripp

Friday 28 July, 7.30pm £38.50

With close to a century of experience between them, music runs through the veins of Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp. Tonight Toyah and Robert perform live with a full band, presenting a joyful and upbeat set of classic songs to delight festival goers and live music lovers alike.

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Saturday 29 July, 2pm £12.50, under-16s £11

The best stand-ups from the comedy circuit do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! The show is just like a normal comedy club but it’s on during the day, kids are allowed in and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles such as “why is that your face!?”.

La Voix

Saturday 29 July, 8pm £25

Britain’s funniest Red Head is swinging into town with her most ambitious show yet! This brand-new show promises an evening like no other, with huge live vocals, a live band and side-splitting comedy. La Voix brings you a unique evening of entertainment in the company of a true legend!

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

Sunday 30 July, 1pm - 3pm £15.50, under-16s £13.50

The award-winning family rave sensation comes to the Spiegeltent! Throw some wicked shapes on the family-only, multisensory dancefloor filled with bubbles, balloons, snow foam and topped off with a giant parachute finale.

This is a standing/dancing show with limited seating

Monster Ceilidh Band

Sunday 30 July, 7.30pm £16.50

Join us for the end of Festival party as we say a huge Thank-You to our volunteers and supporters. Get ready for an irresistible combination of favourite dances accompanied by innovative sets, creative chord progressions, intense electronics and folk tunes performed by some of the UK’s finest musicians.

This is a standing/dancing show with limited seating

and not forgetting...

Tickets are still available for the following Stables shows in May:

Tracy Borman

Basseyou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

INFORMATION

27 May – 17 September 2023

Book at mkgallery.org

Boyd & Evans High Time

MK Gallery

900 Midsummer Boulevard

Milton Keynes MK9 3QA

Boyd & Evans, Peacekeeper, 1983 Acrylic on canvas © and courtesy the artists

also on sale

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Wednesday 17 May, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

NOVEMBER

Thu 2 Rosie Jones

£16.50

Fri 3 Classic Clapton

£22.50

Sat 4 Stephen K Amos: Oxymoron

£20.50

Sun 5 Cavern Beatles £26

Tue 7 Marti Pellow

£36.50

Wed 8 Sound of Springsteen

£27.50

Thu 9 Terje Isungset Ice Quartet £31

Fri 10 The Real Thing £37

Sat 11 Clare Teal £31.50

Sun 12 Cara Dillon

£25

Tue 14 Soft Machine £21

Wed 15 O’Hooley & Tidow £22.50

Thu 16 Jason Byrne £27

Sun 26 Jon Boden & Eliza Carthy’s Wassail

£27.50

Mon 27 Laura Veirs

£22.50

Tue 28 Buddy Holly & the Cricketers

£26

Wed 29 Geoff Norcott

Fri 17 &

Sat 18 Talon: Hotel California Tour

£29.50

Thu 23 Ben Poole and Catfish Co-Headliner

£22

Fri 24 Bye Bye Baby: Tribute to Frankie Valli

£31.50

Sat 25 Beverley Craven & Judie Tzuke: Strings Attached

£18.50

Thu 30 David Graham & the Eskimo Brothers with Ben Waters £27.50

DECEMBER

Fri 1 Jo Caulfield

£20

Sat 2 No Jacket Required £22

Cara Dillon Sun 12 Nov

Marti Pellow Tue 7 Nov

Beverly Craven & Judi Tzuke Sat 25 Nov

also on sale

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Thu 7 Tenors Unlimited Christmas Show

£25

Tue 12 Mediaeval Baebes £25

Thu 14 Laurence Jones

£20.50

Fri 15 Cats In Space

£25

Sat 16 Marie Wilson & The Wilsations Christmas Show

£33.50

Sun 17 Go West

£38.50

Mon 18 - Sat 23 Box Tale Soup: Hansel & Gretel from £14.50

JANUARY 2024

Fri 19 Dire Streets £32

Sat 20 80s Mania from £29.50

Fri 26 T-Rextasy

£33

Sun 28 The Beggs Sisters

£16.50

FEBRUARY 2024

Sat 3 Dr Feelgood £31

Fri 9 & Sat 10 The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

£27.50

Thu 15 Cregan & Co

£27

Thu 22 Coldplace: Tribute to Coldplay £27

Sat 24 Pete Firman: TRikTok

£20.50

Thu 29 James Brown v Prince

£27.50

MARCH 2024

Thu 21 The Dublin Legends

£31.50

Sat 23 The Coral: The Making Of The Debut Album with James Skelly and Nick Power

£29.50

Sun 24 The Story of Guitar Heroes

£30

Sat 30 Lionel: Tribute to Lionel Richie £24.50

APRIL 2024

Thu 4 Clinton Baptiste £31

Laura Viers

Mon 27 Nov

Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden

Sun 26 Nov

Cats in Space

Fri 15 Dec

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Wednesday 17 May, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

STAGE 2

Wed 10 Iain Stirling: Relevant

£25

MAY 2024

Wed 8 Count Arthur Strong

£26.50

SUNDAY SESSIONS IN THE MANCINI FORUM 11.30AM

NOVEMBER

Sun 19 Paul Higgs

Quartet: Cult TV Jazz Themes

£16.50

DECEMBER

Sun 17 L’esprit du jazz £16.50

JANUARY 2024

Sun 21 Ben Holder Trio £16.50

NOVEMBER

Fri 3 Clive Carroll £16.50

Tue 7 Sarah Gillespie £11 & £13.50

Wed 8 Hannah Moule & The Moulettes String Ensemble £20.50

Wed 15 Screaming Blue Murder £11 & £13.50

Fri 24 Ward, Knutor & Townes

£15.50

Sat 25 Edgar Broughton

£13.50

Sun 26 Andrew Bird: Taken Seriously

£13.50

Tue 28 Sarah Smout

£14

Thu 30 Angie Palmer £13.50

DECEMBER

Sat 2 Daniel Champagne £15.50

Wed 6 Son Of Town Hall £16.50

Fri 8 Churchfitters £20.50

Wed 13 Screaming Blue Murder £11 & £13.50

MARCH 2024

Wed 13 Hannah James & Toby Kuhn £15.50

The Coral Sat

Pete Firman Sat 24 Feb 2024

Count Arthur Strong Wed 8 May 2024

booking information

How to book

Core box office opening hours: Please visit www.stables.org for details of current opening hours

IN PERSON: please refer to our website for current arrangements regarding in-person booking

BY PHONE: 01908 280800 during opening hours; text phone users please call 18001 01908 280800.

ONLINE: www.stables.org

COLLECTING YOUR TICKETS:

E-tickets: You can choose to receive your tickets via email. You can either print these out at home or show them on your phone to our front of house staff when entering the auditorium.

Ticket collection: from The Stables box office during opening hours.

Postal tickets: At an extra cost of £2, we can send your tickets to you by post.

Payment options

You can pay by cash if booking in person; we accept all major debit and credit cards.

Reservations

Ticket reservations must be paid for within three days of booking (excluding groups and Friends of The Stables who can reserve for up to seven days). We are unable to reserve tickets without payment within seven days prior to the performance.

Terms & Conditions

For full terms and conditions, please visit www.stables.org

seating plan

Shaded areas represent seating levels not prices. Each show is individually priced.

This seating plan gives a general overview of The Stables main auditorium. Please ask a member of our box office staff at time of booking if you have questions regarding the choice of your seats

Booking Fees

Prices published in this brochure include all booking commission fees.

For tickets up to £10: a commission fee of £1 per ticket will be charged

For tickets between £10.01 and £15: a commission fee of £1.50 per ticket will be charged

For tickets between £15.01 and £25: a commission fee of £2.50 per ticket will be charged

For tickets more than £25: a commission fee of £3.50 per ticket will be charged These fees apply to all booking channels - in person, by phone and online.

Concessions/discounts

Concessions are available on selected performances and where they apply are indicated on the ticket pricing details.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers for The Stables are available to purchase online and from the box office.

Data protection

We would like to add or retain your details to keep you informed about future events promoted by The Stables. When you make your first booking with us, you will be asked whether you want to receive such information. To be removed from our mailing lists at any time, please call or email the box office boxoffice@stables.org

call

How to find us

The Stables is situated to the south east of Milton Keynes in the village of Wavendon. Please note that the approach to The Stables has changed recently and there is no access via either end of Stockwell Lane.

From M1 Junction 14

• Head towards Milton Keynes

• At the first roundabout take the 2nd exit

• At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit. Follow the road through to the Kingston roundabout

• At the Kingston roundabout take the second exit signposted Wavendon/Woburn Sands, onto the A5130 (Newport Road)

• Take the second right (Dankworth Way) by the traffic lights onto the new approach road, signposted The Stables. The Stables entrance is straight ahead.

From M1 Junction 13

• Head towards Milton Keynes on A421

• At the Kingston roundabout take the first exit signposted Wavendon/Woburn Sands, onto the A5130 (Newport Road)

• Take the second right (Dankworth Way) by the traffic lights onto the new approach road, signposted The Stables. The Stables entrance is straight ahead.

Parking

The Stables has free car-parking on site (vehicles and contents are left entirely at owner’s own risk). At busy times, your exit from the car park may be slightly delayed – thank you for your patience. There are a limited amount of disabled parking spaces available (not bookable in advance). We also have a small bicycle rack available to the left of the main public entrance.

Access information

The Stables welcomes people with disabilities. For full access information, please refer to the Your Visit section on our website at www.stables.org The Stables is accessible to wheelchair users and other customers with limited mobility. There is a lift available giving access to seats on lower accessible levels. We can accommodate eight people in wheelchairs per performance, subject to availability. We have volunteer customer assistants available at the majority of events to provide assistance. Please ask a member of our box office team at the time of booking if you have any questions or concerns about your access around the building

Accessible Toilets

There are three accessible public toilets – one as part of the main toilet area situated in the foyer; further toilets are located next to the ladies and within the gents, both accessible from the auditorium.

Facilities for Hearing Impaired Customers

The main auditorium is fitted with an Ampetronic system. To use this system you must have a hearing aid with either a switchable or auto-detect T-Setting built in. Stage 2 customers will need to wear a hearing necklace, available from the box office. If you wear a hearing device please inform a member of the box office team when booking your tickets so that they can seat you in the area of the auditorium where the signal is strongest.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome, but please advise us when you book so that we can allocate appropriate seats and inform you of any special effects that might affect your dog’s comfort.

Eating and drinking at The Stables

Our in-house restaurant Café in2 remains closed for the foreseeable future.

The Stables bar will be available for pre-show and interval drinks on performance nights.

diary at a glance

JUNE

Thu 1 Debra Stephenson

Fri 2 G2 Genesis

Fri 2 Jill Jackson

Sat 3 G2 Genesis

Sun 4 G2 Genesis

Sun 4 Megan Dixon Hood & Alesund

Tue 6 Kris Drever Band

Wed 7 Tunde, Voice of Lighthouse Family

Wed 7 Paul Charles

Thu 8 The Drifters

Fri 9 Roy Orbison & the Traveling Wilburys Experience

Fri 9 SuRie

Sat 10 Harriet

Sat 10 Albany Down

Sun 11 Emma Johnson Trio

Thu 15 Bootleg Blondie

Thu 15 The Carrivick Sisters

Fri 16 Stables Screenings: Elvis (12)

Fri 16 Kyshona

Sat 17 Stables Screenings: Whitney Houston –I Wanna Dance with Somebody (12A)

Sat 17 The Weeping Willows

Sun 18 Verity Bromham Band

Thu 22 Len Phillips Swing Orchestra

Fri 23 Oye Santana

Fri 23 Chris Fox

Sat 24 Kossoff: The Band Plays On

Sun 25 The Drifters

Mon 26 Laura Cantrell

Wed 28 Raghu Dixit Project

Thu 29 Logical Tramp

Fri 30 Jazz Dynamos

JULY

Sat 1 G4 Live

Sun 2 The Strange Doors

Wed 5 Burretti: The Man Who Sewed The World

Thu 6 The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Just Like That!)

Fri 7 Live/Wire: The AC/DC Show

Fri 7 Stokes & Summers

Sat 8 Nell Bryden

Sun 9 Rock Experience Concert

Wed 12 Tony Christie

Thu 13 New Amen Corner

Sat 15 Northern Soul Live

Sun 16 Andy Hamilton

Sun 16 Steve Gifford

Wed 19 Potato Head Jazz Band

Sat 22 Chineke! Chamber Ensemble: Forever?

AUGUST

Tue 1 The Damn Truth

Sun 6 Bristol Ensemble: Dark Side of The Moon

Sat 19 Bob Harris & Martyn Joseph

Sun 20 Spooky Men’s Chorale

Fri 25 Gary Delaney

Sat 26 Hats Off To Led Zeppelin

Sun 27 TeachRex Live

Thu 31 Colosseum

SEPTEMBER

Fri 1 Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook

Fri 1 Fraser Anderson Band

Sat 2 Solstice

Sun 3 Paul Zerdin

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Wednesday 17 May, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

Educational Friends and Founders discount applies

For more information see page 3

Sun 3 The Canny Band

Wed 6 Urzila Carlson

Thu 7 Shear Brass

Thu 7 Matt Owens

Fri 8 Marty Wilde

Sat 9 Jordan Gray

Sun 10 Karnataka

Wed 13 Seann Walsh

Thu 14 Cloudbusting

Thu 14 Alice Armstrong Band

Fri 15 Shakatak

Sat 16 Fleetwood Bac

Sun 17 Mark Watson

Mon 18 Shawn Colvin

Wed 20 Thereza Bazaar’s Dollar

Thu 21 The Stars from The Commitments

Fri 22 Abba Forever

Fri 22 Toby Walker

Sat 23 Daphne’s Flight

Sat 23 Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends

Sun 24 Back to Bacharach

Mon 25 Wishbone Ash

Wed 27 Go Now! Tribute to the Moody Blues

Thu 28 The Wonder of Stevie

Fri 29 Voice of the Heart: Tribute to The Carpenters

Sat 30 Ruby Turner

Sat 30 The ARC Songwriters’ Tour

OCTOBER

Sun 1 Axel Blake

Tue 3 Brian Bilston

Wed 4 Judy Collins

Thu 5 Ed Byrne

Fri 6 The Enid

Fri 6 Winter Mountain

Sat 7 Brother Strut

Sat 7 Josienne Clark

Sun 8 Ronnie Scott’s All Star Band

Sun 8 Rachel Fairbairn

Thu 12 Best of Queen

Thu 12 Christina Alden and Alex Patterson

Fri 13 Lindisfarne

Sat 14 Nearly Dan

Sat 14 Long Road Home

Mon 16 Limehouse Lizzy

Tue 17 Kathryn Tickell

Wed 18 Ligeti String Quartet

Wed 18 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Thu 19 Albert Lee

Fri 20 Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Fri 20 Dom Martin

Sun 22 Sunday Sessions: Dario Napoli Trio

Sun 22 Billy Joel Albums Show

Sun 22 Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse

Mon 23 Alina Orchestra: Band in a Van

Wed 25 Hayley Griffiths Band

Thu 26 Stables Screenings: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (PG)

Thu 26 Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket

Thu 26 Moscow Drug Club

Fri 27 Rave On

Sat 28 China Crisis

Sat 28 Sound of the Sirens

Sun 29 Alina Orchestra

Mancini Forum Stage 2

The Stables… available for hire!

The Stables is a world class music and entertainment venue offering accessible and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of events – from conferences, meetings, away-days, car and product launches to wedding receptions, charity galas, graduation ceremonies, private dining and much more besides.

Located close to the M1 and Milton Keynes station, The Stables offers free car parking, a range of flexible indoor & outdoor spaces, good accessibility, catering and free Wi-Fi – all supported by our experienced event and technical teams.

“MKu3a wanted somewhere special to celebrate its 35th anniversary. A special day made possible by the support, professional advice and help from wonderful staff and volunteers.”

Lynne Button, Chair, MKu3a – September 2022

“The Stables team bent over backwards to accommodate our needs and support for our annual employee conference. I couldn’t ask for a better team and wouldn’t hesitate to use The Stables again.”

Fairhive Homes – July 2022

For further details please contact the Development Office on 01908 280816 or development@stables.org