The Stables' what's on brochure: March to June 2023

world class music

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 43.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

ifmiltonkeynes.org

IF you want to be the first to know which Festival events are now on sale, turn to page 50…

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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 Tuesday 14 February 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.

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The Story of Guitar Heroes

Thursday 2 March, 8pm £26

The Story of Guitar Heroes has won critical acclaim both at home and abroad for its incredible homage to some of the most iconic guitarists from the past 50 years of popular music. Expect classic hits from legends including Hank Marvin, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Brian May.

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

Pete Firman: Bag of Tricks

Friday 3 March, 8pm £16.50

Pete Firman is one of the UK’s most popular magicians and he’s now back on the road! You’ve seen him on television, now experience his trademark blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping magic live on stage. As seen on ITV1’s Tonight At The London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, and BBC1’s The Magicians, The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Magical Bones 27 Apr

TRADarrr, Palmerston and Smith & Brewer

Saturday 4 March, 7.30pm

£23.50

Don’t miss an amazing triple bill of folk! Headliners TRADarrr are a five-piece original acoustic band who weave their magic around folk, country and Americana styles. Palmerston are five guys, five voices, loads of fun and umpteen instruments – expect shades of Americana, a rumour of folk and a whisper of country. Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer have played together all over the UK, notably as support to 10cc and Ralph McTell.

Promoted by Alan

Rondeau

Ceilidh Experience Concert & Dance

Sunday 5 March, 1.30pm-4pm £7

Come along and join in the dancing as participants from our Ceilidh Experience course present their new bands, performing a feast of traditional tunes for dancers and folk fans of all ages. Our guest caller will guide you through the steps in what promises to be a fun afternoon of dance and music. No previous Ceilidh dance experience needed! Suitable for adults and older children.

Ensemble 360 & Polly Ives present

Sir Scallywag & The Golden Underpants

Wednesday 8 March, performances at 11am & 1pm £7.50

For ages 3-7 / Foundation / Key Stage 1 - Schools’ / Family Concert (free teachers ticket with every 10 seats booked)

When King Colin’s golden underpants go missing, it’s Sir Scallywag to the rescue!

Brave and bold, courageous and true, he’s the perfect knight for the job… even if he is only six years old!

Original music by Music in the Round’s children’s composer-in-residence Paul Rissmann features strings, woodwind and horn, presented together with storytelling and projected illustrations from the bestselling children’s book by Giles Andreae and Korky Paul.

Performed by the wonderfully dynamic Ensemble 360 and Polly Ives, this concert is a great introduction to live music for children. It’s full of wit, invention, songs and actions, with plenty of opportunities to join in.

Ensemble 360: The Lark Ascending

Wednesday 8 March, 8pm £24 & £22

Vaughan Williams

The Lark Ascending for piano and violin

Ravel String Quartet in F major Stanford Fantasy for Horn Quintet in A minor

Vaughan Williams

Piano Quintet in C minor

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Emma Johnson Trio 11 Jun

Free tickets for Under-25s

A concert celebrating the recent 150th birthday of the celebrated composer who embodies the sound of English music. The evening opens with Vaughan Williams’ most famous work, The Lark Ascending, in its original version for piano and violin. This is followed by the String Quartet written by the composer’s friend and mentor Maurice Ravel and the dramatic Fantasy for Horn Quintet by his teacher, Charles Villiers Stanford. Vaughan Williams’ expansive Piano Quintet rounds off the evening.

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.

The Lost King

Tuesday 7 March, 7.30pm £10 & £8

Guided by instinct and spectral visions, ambitious writer and amateur historian Philippa Langley defies the academic establishment to unearth Richard III’s long-missing remains in a Leicester car park. Starring Sally Hawkins, Steve Coogan and Harry Lloyd; directed by Stephen Frears. (108 minutes)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Mrs Harris Goes To Paris 22 Mar

Billy Joel Albums Show

starring Elio Pace & his Band

Thursday 9 March, 8pm £33.50

Following the incredible success of their previous four Albums tours, the award-winning Elio Pace and his amazing band return to The Stables, this time performing two more Billy Joel classic albums in their entirety, The Nylon Curtain and Piano Man

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Simon & Garfunkel Story 5 Apr

Aynsley Lister

Supported by Jersey Budd

Friday 10 March, 8pm £20.50

Aynsley Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world. His unique brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary songwriting fuelled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ben Poole & Catfish 23 Nov

Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band

Saturday 11 March, 8pm £26

The Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band are regarded by many as the best and most consistent ‘public subscription band’ in the world. They have earned a formidable reputation for their highly entertaining concerts and many notable triumphs in the competitive contesting field – they recently won the British Open Brass Band Championship.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS

George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 26 Mar

Theatre of Widdershins: Rapunzel & the Tower of Doom

Sunday 12 March, 2pm £11

Tangles? Split ends? It’s bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive’s locks as a stepladder! Theatre of Widdershins have taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hairpiece!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Meet Me A Tree 23 Mar

Bridget Christie: Who Am I?

Sunday 12 March, 8pm £21

Bridget Christie is hot, but not in a good way. The Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian cannot ride the motorbike she bought to combat her mid-life crisis because of early osteoarthritis in her hips and RSI in her wrist, and wonders why there are so many films, made by men, about young women discovering their sexuality, but none about middle-aged women forgetting theirs.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Jo Caulfield 1 Dec

Van Morrison: Moving On Skiffle

Mon 13, Tue 14 & Wed 15 March, 8pm £103.50

Moving On Skiffle finds Van Morrison taking a homemade style that exploded across Britain in the mid-1950s and infusing it with a level of sophistication and soulfulness that it didn’t always possess the first time around.

Presented by SD Event Management

Hayley Griffiths Band

Thursday 16 March, 8pm £16.50

The Hayley Griffiths Band are thrilled to be returning to The Stables (previously as members of prog band Karnataka) to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 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 Solstice 2 Sep

Roachford

+ support from Acantha Lang

Friday 17 March, 8pm £31 & £27.50

Ever since Cuddly Toy reached number four in the charts in 1988, Roachford has remained one of the UK’s most compelling rock and soul artists. He has released 10 studio albums and several greatest hits collections, been sought-after as a songwriter by the likes of Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Nik Kershaw Band 21 May

Showaddywaddy

Saturday 18 March, 8pm £29.50

Showaddywaddy have long been established as Europe’s most successful exponents of retro-inspired rock’n’roll. The record speaks for itself: 23 top 40 hit singles, including Under The Moon Of Love, When, You Got What It Takes and Three Steps To Heaven. After almost 50 years in the business, the band continue to prove that rock’n’roll is alive and kicking.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Marty Wilde 8 Sep

The Cream of Clapton Band

Sunday 19 March, 8pm £24

Musicians with indelible family and musical ties to the Clapton legacy join forces in this inspirational new concert. Lead guitarist and vocalist Will Johns is Eric’s nephew, while on keyboards, Noah East is son to EC’s long-time bassist Nathan East. The set not only includes Clapton classics but also rekindles hits from albums including Behind The Sun, August and Journeyman

Like this? Try this Oye Santana 23 Jun

Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full of Songs

+ support from Paul Canning

Tuesday 21 March, 8pm £31

Graham Gouldman’s semi-acoustic four-piece band return to The Stables. They’ll be performing a broad spread of Graham’s songwriting catalogue, including his chart hits for 10cc, the Hollies, Herman’s Hermits, the Yardbirds, Jeff Beck and from his time in Wax with Andrew Gold. The line-up comprises Graham, 10cc band members Iain Hornal and Keith Hayman, and Dave Cobby.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Billy Joel Albums Show 9 Mar

PG

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris

Wednesday 22 March, 7.30pm £10 & £8

In 1950s London, a widowed cleaning lady falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, deciding she must have one of her own. After working to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris that will change not only her own outlook, but also the very future of the House of Dior. Starring Lesley Manville. (116 minutes)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Lost King 7 Mar

Gary Meikle 2.5

Thursday 23 March, 8pm £25

“Most blurbs are written in the third person so they’ll be like ‘Gary is this, Gary is that’. Well, I’m writing this myself so, this will be MY third show, or 2.5 as I’m calling it. I’m going to remain relatable, honest and give you an insight into what it’s like to be me, a young single grandad who’s passionate about making his audience laugh.”

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Andy Parsons 26 Apr

Feast of Fiddles

Friday 24 March, 8pm £24.50

Feast of Fiddles are a band of friends who perform with passion, joy and a liberal dose of fun. Marion Fleetwood joins fiddlers

Peter Knight, Brian McNeill, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary and Garry

Blakeley who bring a wide range of fiddle-playing styles to the rock back-line of guitars, keyboards, sax and accordion – all held together by legendary drummer Dave Mattacks.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Fisherman’s Friends 4 May

Enjoy some fabulous Sunday-morning jazz in the Mancini Forum (The Stables’ main foyer). We’ll be presenting an enticing mix of established names and rising stars of the UK jazz scene – the perfect way to start the day.

Joanna Eden Band: Love Quiet Tour

Sunday 26 March, 11.30am

£16.50

The Joanna Eden Band combine the energy and rhythmic virtuosity of South American music with the intimacy and honesty of Joanna’s acclaimed originals. The band have supported numerous legendary artists including The Buena Vista Social Club, Van Morrison and Jamie Cullum.

Art Themen Trio: Thane & The Villeins

Sunday 16 April, 11.30am £16.50

A fantastically exciting and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been a beloved character on the British jazz scene for over 50 years. His album Thane & The Villeins is a collection of groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon – a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this grandee of British jazz.

Tipitina

Sunday 7 May, 11.30am £15.50

Tipitina are the real thing, a hugely talented combo performing the red-hot music of Doctor John, James Booker, Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. The band have long been the leading attraction at the Birmingham Jazz Festival, and favourites at both Upton Jazz and Upton Blues Festivals.

Sara Dowling

Sunday 21 May, 11.30am £16.50

British vocalist Sara Dowling is regarded as one of Europe’s most talented jazz singers. Her sound is a vibrant fusion of nostalgic classical harmonies and intense American post-bop rhythms of the late 1960s, where interplay and improvisation are at the heart of the performance.

Doors open at 11am. Coffee, tea and light snacks will be available before each concert.

THAT LAZY SUNDAY MORNING FEELING ENJOY

Limited availability

The Counterfeit Stones: Not Fake Away

Saturday 25 March, 8pm £31, standing £23.50

Why pay a fortune to see ants in a stadium when, for a fraction of the price, you can get up close and smell the faking brilliance of The Counterfeit Stones? Their latest fast shuffle, Not Fake Away, promises yet another night of pure, unadulterated CopyRock. Packed with big hits, retro fashion and vintage guitars, it’s Satis-fiction guaranteed.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Hats Off To Led Zeppelin 26 Aug

Joanna Eden Band: Love Quiet Tour

Sunday 26 March, 11.30am £16.50

The Joanna Eden Band combine the energy and rhythmic virtuosity of South American music with the intimacy and honesty of Joanna’s acclaimed originals. The band have supported numerous legendary artists including The Buena Vista Social Club, Van Morrison, Omara Portuondo and Jamie Cullum.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Georgia Cécile Quintet 3 May

George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Sunday 26 March, 8pm £41 & £38.50

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have plucked, sung, joked and whistled with the likes of Clean Bandit, Robbie Williams, Madness, Cat Stevens and Blue Peter. The world’s very first ukulele orchestra is not just about ukuleles – it’s all about entertainment, joy, fun, strum and artistry.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band 11 Mar

Limited availability

The Fureys

Tuesday 28 March, 8pm £26

The Fureys are one of Ireland’s most influential folk and traditional bands. Fureys classics such as I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, The Old Man, From Clare To Here and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Michael English 24 Sep

Martin Simpson

Wednesday 29 March, 8pm £19

Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues or his own compositions, Martin Simpson is consistently named as one of the world’s finest fingerstyle guitarists. Martin is a virtuoso player who conveys his diverse treasure trove of material from the heart, performing with rare subtlety, intensity and honesty.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Chris Smither 26 Apr

Bedfordshire Schools Battle of the Bands

Thursday 30 March, 7.30pm £11 (concessions £7)

Come and see Bedfordshire’s epic musical talent of the future! The Battle of the Bedfordshire Schools’ Bands is back – live – at The Stables. Each Bedfordshire school sends their best bands to perform in an on-stage event, in the hope of becoming champions. The event is organised by Inspiring Music Hub and Bedford Music Hub and sponsored by local companies including the awesome TT Rockstars.

Promoted by Inspiring Music Hub and Bedford Music Hub

Police Dog Hogan

Friday 31 March, 8pm £19.50

Police Dog Hogan are led by singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist James Studholme. Featuring fiddle, banjo, accordion, trumpet, bass and drums, the band create a mosaic of sounds and songs including husky ballads mourning lost loves, footstompers about the West Country and full-throated, multiharmony anthems. Their song Devon Brigade was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music awards.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Hothouse Flowers 7 May

keep up to date

All details are correct at time of going to print.

For latest programme and other updates from The Stables, please visit www.stables.org and keep an eye on our social media channels.

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Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil

Saturday 1 April, 8pm £19.50

Simon Evans’ most recent show, Genius 2.0 (“a masterclass” ***** The Scotsman) provided a hilarious analysis of the departure of any visible sign of intelligence from modern life. But his new show raises the stakes, with his usual excoriating views of a world on fire given a perspective shift from personal revelations that turned his world upside down this year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Marcus Brigstocke 14 Apr

Axel Blake: In Style

Sunday 2 April, 8pm £22.50

Britain’s Got Talent 2022 winner Axel Blake is heading out on the road with his new show In Style. From the wilds of Dunstable, Axel arrived on the country’s living room screens as Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer pick on Britain’s Got Talent. 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 John Robins 29 Sep

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.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Join

Wednesday 5 April, 8pm £26

Direct from a week-long run in London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre, a worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Billy Joel Albums Show 9 Mar

16+ Limited availability

Sabrina Francis

Thursday 6 April, 8pm £16.50

Singer-songwriter Sabrina Francis and her band are from Grenada. Her Caribbean music is inspired by soul and traditional African styles. In 2019 Sabrina was awarded a finalist prize in the internationally renowned John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She has been singing professionally since 2014 and has released two albums, Think In Colour and I Feel.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Tunde 7 Jun Limited availability

Francis Rossi: Tunes & Chat

Friday 7 April, 8pm from £33.50

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring you a selection of well-known hits and some previously unperformed tunes from his remarkable career, which has spanned more than 50 years. In this highly entertaining evening, expect original, acoustic versions of Quo classics interwoven with chat.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Quo Connection 26 May

Royal South

Saturday 8 April, 8pm £18.50

Individual artists in their own right, SaraBeth and Glen Mitchell have come together to form the harmony powerhouse Royal South. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the Texas and London natives have attracted the attention of renowned producer Paul Worley. Their most recent release, Perfect On Paper, became Royal South’s fifth consecutive number one iTunes single.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Carrivick Sisters 15 Jun

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Tuesday 11 April, 2.30pm £19.50, under-16s £16.50

Think science is boring? Think again – this is science like you’ve never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter, using exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! This interactive show entertains and educates in the most spectacular way.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Nick Cope Family Concert 22 Jul

Liza Pulman & Joe Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells

Wednesday 12 April, 8pm £22.50

Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman teams up with acclaimed musician and singer Joe Stilgoe for a vibrant and entertaining potpourri of classic songs and wit, highlighting Joe’s virtuoso piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Curtis Stigers 29 & 30 May

Pop Princesses

Thursday 13 April, 11am & 2pm £22

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference – a musical spectacular starring four fabulous fairytale princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and internet sensation JoJo Siwa, along with songs from all your favourite films and musicals.

Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up

Thursday 13 April, 8pm £22.50

Fresh from his sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show. Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. Nothing is off limits, including his own mental health, his family, his five arrests and how he once found himself at an underground sex party.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Stephen K Amos 4 Nov

Marcus Brigstocke: Absolute Shower

Friday 14 April, 8pm £19.50

A blisteringly funny stand-up show from multi-award-winning comedian Marcus Brigstocke. This joyful evening celebrates the personal triumphs and small victories of the past couple of years... while acknowledging it has, in so many ways, on so many days, for the most part been an absolute shower of sh*t.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Simon Evans 1 Apr

Sons of Pitches

Saturday 15 April, 8pm £31

Sons of Pitches are a multi-award-winning British vocal group combining soaring solos, impeccable harmonies and sensational beatboxing to stunning effect. The group have captivated audiences across the world with their highly creative vocal gymnastics and a programme of inventive pop covers, original numbers and entertaining improvised songs. In 2015, they became the first winners of BBC2’s The Naked Choir, hosted by Gareth Malone.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS G4 Live 1 Jul

Art Themen Trio: Thane & The Villeins

Sunday 16 April, 11.30am £16.50

Art Themen is a fantastically exciting and inventive saxophonist. His new trio features organist Pete Whittaker and drummer George Double. Their album Thane & The Villeins is a collection of groove-led reimaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Joanna Eden Band 26 Mar

Jon Allen & The Luna Kings

Sunday 16 April, 8pm £20

A well-kept secret on the music scene over the last decade, Jon Allen has been described as a musician’s musician. Jon’s breakthrough came after he performed on the BBC’s Later With Jools Holland show. Built on a foundation of Americana, roots and blues influences, he has a soulful, whiskey-soaked voice and a striking gift for melody.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Van Morrison 13, 14, 15 Mar

Focus

Tuesday 18 April, 8pm £26

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the 1970s as the most successful of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits Hocus Pocus, House Of The King and Sylvia, as well as critically acclaimed albums Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, the iconic Dutch music masters have long enjoyed worldwide success.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Wishbone Ash 25 Sep

Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band: Chapel & Tavern

Wednesday 19 April, 8pm £32

Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band’s new tour sees them celebrate the lives and culture of ordinary folk. The first half of the concert takes place in the chapel, featuring the vigorous and enthusiastic music of church gallery bands. After the interval we’re in the tavern for rousing performances of catches, ballads, theatre songs and dance tunes.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Lindisfarne 13 Oct

Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits Tour

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 April, 8pm £23.50

Grab your gin in a tin, put on your control pants and pop in a panty liner – the Scummy Mummies are back! And after the year they’ve had, Helen and Ellie are going OUT-OUT! Join them for an evening of comedy, songs, filth and laughs. Everyone’s welcome, from mums and dads to carers, grandparents and people who want to be reminded they’re really glad they don’t have kids.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Jo Caulfield 1 Dec

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.

Nights on Broadway: The Bee Gees Story

Saturday 22 April, 8pm £26

Nights On Broadway: The Bee Gees Story celebrates the timeless music of the Bee Gees, faithfully recreated on stage as a fantastic live concert. Featuring many of the group’s incredible hit songs spanning four decades, this high-energy show gives the audience the experience of what it’s like to be at a real Bee Gees concert.

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

Woburn Sands Band

Sunday 23 April, 4pm £13.50, under-17s £6

A late afternoon concert from your favourite local brass band to celebrate St George’s Day with a programme including music from the Last Night of the Proms. Flag waving, a little singing –fun for everyone! A spring event to enjoy!

Presented by Woburn Sands Band

Mike Massé: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock

Monday 24 April, 8pm £24

Don’t miss YouTube icon Mike Massé performing some of the best classic rock songs of all time acoustically, including hits by The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, Elton John, Rush and more. Mike is an internationally acclaimed artist whose arrangements are praised for their originality and emotional impact. Legends of rock have expressed their love and gratitude for his renditions of their finest works.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Story of Guitar Heroes 2 Mar

Peter White

Tuesday 25 April, 8pm £21

Peter White’s childhood dream of travelling the world playing music came true when he joined Al Stewart’s band in 1975 on piano and guitar. That association lasted 20 years during which time they wrote many songs together. Since relocating to California, Peter has toured the world playing his own unique style of music, and regularly returns to the UK to charm audiences and visit his old stomping grounds!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full of Songs 21 Mar

Chris Smither

+ special guest Zak Trojano

Wednesday 26 April, 8pm £19

A profound songwriter and captivating performer, Chris Smither mesmerises listeners with his guitar playing, melding the styles of his two major influences – Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt – into his own signature guitar sound. Chris’s music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers, and continues to earn accolades.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Jon Allen & The Luna Kings 16 Apr

Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Thursday 27 April, 7.30pm £22.50 (post-show meet and greet £15; includes 30 minutes of close-up magic; must be bought in conjunction with main show ticket.) Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones takes to the road with a new show full of the most awe-inspiring and high-energy magic you’ll see this year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Pete Firman 3 Mar

Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Friday 28 April, 8pm £25

With an unparalleled reputation across the UK, Europe and beyond, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been recreating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s to widespread acclaim for more than 50 years. Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries, and relive the electrifying hot jazz of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Syd Lawrence Orchestra 20 Oct

Carl Hutchinson: Watch Till The End

Saturday 29 April, 7.30pm £16.50

Carl Hutchinson is back with a new show for 2023. Following a mammoth 87-date run last year, Carl got right back to work to produce his best show yet. If you’ve seen the Geordie in action before, you’ll know exactly what kind of amazing night you’re in for. If you haven’t, prepare to be dazzled by the UK comedy scene’s best-kept secret.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ivo Graham 10 May

Limited availability Limited availability

Georgia Cécile Quintet

Wednesday 3 May, 8pm £25

Tipped as one to watch by Wonderland Magazine and Jazz FM, Georgia Cécile is at the helm of the new wave of UK jazz crossover artists. A gifted and engaging performer, Georgia has been championed by the likes of Gregory Porter and Jamie Cullum. She was crowned UK Jazz Act Of The Year and Vocalist Of The Year at the 2022 Jazz FM Awards

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Joanna Eden Band 26 Mar

Fisherman’s Friends

Thursday 4 May, 8pm £37 & £27.50

To date Fisherman’s Friends have nine albums, two feature films, a stage musical, a book and a TV documentary to their name. And for more than 30 years they have gathered at the harbour in their native Port Isaac to sing the songs of the sea that connect them to generations of Cornish fishermen that have come before them.

Promoted by SJM Concerts

The Tiger Lillies: From the Circus to the Cemetery

Friday 5 May, 8pm £25.50

As one of the foremost avant-garde cabaret bands in the world, Olivier Award-winners The Tiger Lillies never cease to surprise with their inimitable musical style, conjuring up the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin and fusing it with the savage edge of punk. Expect an evening of dark and deviant theatrics as the band delve into their back catalogue to present their most famous songs alongside some new surprises.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS La Voix 29 Jul

The Zombies

+ support from Bruce Sudano

Saturday 6 May, 8pm £31 & £27.50

Iconic British psychedelic pop legends The Zombies have returned to celebrate their long-awaited induction into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Led by founding members vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent, The Zombies’ 21stcentury line-up also features Steve Rodford on drums, renowned session guitarist Tom Toomey and newest member, Søren Koch.

This performance is a VAT fundraiser for The Stables

Tipitina

Sunday 7 May, 11.30am £15.50

Tipitina are the real thing, a hugely talented combo performing the red-hot music of Doctor John, James Booker, Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. The band have long been the leading attraction at the Birmingham Jazz Festival and favourites at both Upton Jazz and Upton Blues Festivals.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Potato Head Jazz Band 19 Jul

Hothouse Flowers: The Let’s Do This Thing Tour

+ support from Clare Sands

Sunday 7 May, 8pm £38.50

Hothouse Flowers are a rock’n’roll band, a traditional band, a soul band... a jam band with their own brand of jam on both sides of the bread! Despite performing for more than 30 years, there is a sense of unfinished business. Every night they want to play the best gig they have ever played and take the musical risks that can maybe make that possible.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Van Morrison 13, 14, 15 Mar

Elkie Brooks

Tuesday 9 May, 8pm £42.50

Now in the fifth decade of her career, Elkie Brooks is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of her generation. With numerous hit singles, million-selling albums and awards, her annual tours are a treat for fans old and new. As she performs some of her classic hits, blues and jazz, an electric evening with Elkie is guaranteed to leave you begging for more.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Judy Collins 4 Oct

Ivo Graham: My Future, My Clutter

Wednesday 10 May, 8pm £15.50

Bumbling wordsmith Ivo Graham returns to discuss three years of heavy duty pranking/parenting/procrastinating since Dave’s 2019 nominations for Best Comedy Show and Joke of the Fringe (“I’ve got an Eton College advent calendar, where all the doors are opened by my father’s contacts”). As seen on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You, and fondue-set winner on Richard Osman’s House Of Games.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Marcus Brigstocke 14 Apr

Show of Hands with Michael Wood

Thursday 11 May, 8pm £38.50

West Country legends Show of Hands – Steve Knightley and Phil Beer – join the renowned historian and broadcaster Michael Wood and singer-songwriter Kirsty Merryn to take us on a chronological journey through 800 years of English radical songs. Michael will provide the historical context and the three musicians will create the musical settings to songs that are the soundtrack to the People’s History.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band 19 Apr

Peter Cox

Friday 12 May, 8pm £29.50

Vocalist and frontman of Go West, Peter Cox is back with a new album. Produced by Gary Stevenson (Go West, Rick Astley) and John Mitchell (Enter Shikari, It Bites, Frost, Arena), the sound is an unmistakable mix of Peter’s unique, distinct vocals and superb songwriting skills. The first two singles from the album, Too Far Gone and She Wants Magic, both reached number one on the Heritage Chart.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Nik Kershaw Band 21 May

Johnny Cash Roadshow: From The Ashes Tour

Saturday 13 May, 8pm £29.50

The Johnny Cash Roadshow is back with a new show! Awardwinning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s career as the Man In Black, performing alongside his iconic wife June Carter (Meghan Thomas) and a genuine top-of-the-league band featuring double bass, Fender Telecaster and acoustic guitars, drums, piano, trumpet and four-part vocal harmonies.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys Experience 9 Jun

Black Sabbitch

Sunday 14 May, 8pm £25

For over a decade, Black Sabbitch has been selling out shows and wowing even the most difficult to please Sabbath worshippers, gaining a loyal fan base and the respect of critics, fans and musicians alike. The band have become festival favourites, consistently performing with some of the world’s biggest names.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Wishbone Ash 25 Sep

An Evening with Ron Sexsmith

Monday 15 May, 8pm £31

Ron Sexsmith is one of Canada’s most accomplished singersongwriters. He has been awarded three Juno Awards and nominated 15 times, including eight nods for Songwriter of the Year. Ron has recently completed work on a new album which is scheduled to be released this year and is in keeping with his reputation for catchy, graceful melodies, drawing on love and the trials of everyday life.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Kris Drever 6 Jun

Gretchen Peters

+ special guest, Kim Richey

Tuesday 16 May, 8pm £38.50

Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, Gretchen Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Etta James, The Neville Brothers, Bryan Adams and Faith Hill. Her 2022/2023 UK tour celebrates a quarter century of performing in the UK and comes with the release of a new live album, The Show: Live from the UK

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Nell Bryden 8 Jul

Tim Kliphuis Trio: In Memory of Django

Wednesday 17 May, 8pm £20

Widely regarded as the successor to Stéphane Grappelli, Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis breathes new life into existing styles with a high-energy blend of classical, gypsy jazz and folk music, with a special nod in this performance to Django Reinhardt. His improvised sound is totally fresh and yet steeped in tradition.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Antonio Forcione 28 May

Tracy Borman: How To Be A Good Monarch

Thursday 18 May, 8pm £33.50

In a show packed with the good, the bad, the great and the mad, royal historian, broadcaster and chief curator of Hampton Court and The Tower of London, Tracy Borman takes us on a gripping, entertaining and informative audiovisual tour of 1000 years of the twists and turns of the British monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Charles III.

All or Nothing Experience Concert Show

Friday 19 May, 8pm £25.50

After three sell-out tours and a successful West End run of All Or Nothing: The Mod Musical, the show’s multi-talented cast perform the All Or Nothing Experience Concert Show, celebrating the music of the iconic mod band Small Faces. After the interval, the cast perform a sensational selection of groovy and soulful 1960s hits by the era’s best-loved artists.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Zombies 6 May

Ultimate Bowie

Saturday 20 May, 8pm £25

In this authentic celebration and salute to David Bowie, Ed Blaney transports you across the golden years of Bowie, from Space Boy to Superstar. A performer who easily commands the eyes of the audience every moment he’s on stage, Ed blends the past and present, revealing the many sides of Bowie’s personalities.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Counterfeit Stones 25 Mar

Sara Dowling

Sunday 21 May, 11.30am £16.50

British vocalist Sara Dowling is regarded as one of Europe’s most talented jazz singers. With Palestinian and Irish heritage, her sound is a vibrant fusion of nostalgic classical harmonies and intense American post-bop rhythms of the late 1960s.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Georgia Cécile Quintet 3 May

Nik Kershaw Band

Sunday 21 May, 8pm £36

Throughout his career, Nik Kershaw has attracted praise from legends such as Eric Clapton and Miles Davis – he’s also been nominated for four Brit Awards. Elton John famously described him as being “the best songwriter of his generation”. Nik continues to write and record (both for his own projects and for film and TV), and to perform his songs, old and new, to his faithful following all over the world.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Peter Cox 12 May

Eric Bibb: Ridin’ Tour

+ support from Michael Jerome Browne

Tuesday 23 May, 8pm £35

Two-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb will be ridin’ onto UK shores in May. The world-renowned blues troubadour and his band will perform the classics he is known and loved for, while introducing brand new material from his much-anticipated forthcoming album, Ridin’, due for release this spring.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Chris Smither 26 Apr

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

King For A Day: The Nat King Cole Story

Thursday 25 May, 8pm £22.50

This thoughtful and entertaining new show takes a fresh look at the life and work of the timeless Nat King Cole, whose vocal styling in songs such as Nature Boy, Unforgettable and When I Fall in Love defined a golden era of music and earned him a place in the history of American music as one of the most iconic vocalists of all time.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Curtis Stigers 29 & 30 May

Limited availability

Quo Connection

+ support from Fi Channon

Friday 26 May, 8pm £21

Former members of John Coghlan’s Quo, Mick Hughes, Rick Chase, Pete Mace and Russ Chadd have reformed under the name Quo Connection to carry on the legacy of Status Quo and John Coghlan. Performing many of Quo’s hits plus some incredible album tracks, Quo Connection can’t wait to bring their high-octane show to The Stables!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Francis Rossi: Tunes & Chat 7 Apr

An Evening with Bernie Marsden

Saturday 27 May, 7.30pm £31 & £27.50

Bernie Marsden is primarily known for his work with Whitesnake, having written or co-written many of the group’s hit songs, most notably the US number one Here I Go Again. Bernie is also renowned as one of the greatest rock and blues guitarists of all time. Following an acoustic set and Q&A session in the first half of the concert, there will be a full band set after the interval.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Wishbone Ash 25 Sep

Antonio Forcione Quartet

Sunday 28 May, 8pm £22.50

From the moment Antonio Forcione walks on stage, a humble smile on his face, guitar in hand, you know you are in the presence of a true artist. Intense, artistic and formidably inventive, Antonio is a performer of genuine distinction. As one critic put it: “Imagine an Italian hybrid of Michael Hedges, John McLaughlin and Django Rheinhardt... ferocious, rampaging, controlled power, meticulous precision and clarity of expression.”

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Tim Kliphuis Trio 17 May

Curtis Stigers

Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 May, 8pm £39.50

For the award-winning singer, songwriter and saxophonist Curtis Stigers, the story keeps getting better. His string of hit singles, millions of albums sold and a 28-year recording career aside, Curtis’s commitment to artistic growth and to bringing new tunes to the Great American Songbook has become unparalleled in modern music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Liza Pulman & Joe Stilgoe 12 Apr

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

Wednesday 31 May, 8pm £25

Bassekou Kouyate is one of the true masters of the ngoni, an ancient traditional lute found throughout West Africa, and he is respected as one of Africa’s premier global artists. His band, Ngoni Ba, includes ngoni players, percussionists and the fantastic singer Amy Sacko. Together they have revolutionised the sound of the ngoni and radically fired centuries of griot tradition into the future.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Raghu Dixit 28 Jun

Debra Stephenson: 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 Billy Holliday 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 been performing classic Genesis for nearly two decades, G2 are making their annual return to The Stables and will again be performing three different sets over three nights.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Focus 18 Apr

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 in demand musicians.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ron Sexsmith 15 May

Tunde, Voice of the Lighthouse Family

Wednesday 7 June, 8pm £27.50

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Sabrina Francis 6 Apr

The Drifters

Thursday 8 June, 8pm £35

Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (the daughter of the group’s original founders, George and Faye Treadwell), The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with multiple 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 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 The Drifters 8 & 25 Jun

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 be performing new material from the new album with her live band, as well as songs from her debut album – an evening not to be missed!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Nell Bryden 8 Jul

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 Ronnie Scott’s All Stars 8 Oct

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 CBGB’s in New York to the Isle of Wight Festival, Bootleg Blondie have earned their credentials on an international level.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ultimate Bowie 20 May

Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas

Friday 16 & Saturday 17 June, 8pm £26

Griff Rhys Jones is back on the road with his much-anticipated brand new stand-up tour for 2023. Join Griff as he shares more funny observations and comic stories. Age. Family. Fraud. Nostalgia. The Tik Tok generation. Crocodile smuggling and noodling in Australia. Travel, dogs, hotels, drink and midnight trains. He takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Marcus Brigstocke 14 Apr

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 Bernie Marsden 27 May

Oye Santana

Friday 23 June, 8pm £24

Based around 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, engaging and fun evening.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Cream of Clapton 19 Mar

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 multiple 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

Box Tale Soup present Hansel & Gretel

Raghu Dixit

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’s second studio album Jag Changa was Songlines’ Top of the World album choice.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Bassekou Kouyate 31 May

Jazz Dynamos

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 Clare Teal 11 Nov

Christmas Fun at The Stables

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

Tickets from £14.50

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

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…

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.

Co-production with the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

“Their beautifully crafted micro-shows are like collector’s items”

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

Several low alcohol drinks are available – try an Adnams Ghost Ship or Heineken Zero. Prefer something soft? We have a wide range of still and sparkling drinks to satisfy you.

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.

New for the Spring

Fruity new ciders from the Old Mout range: Kiwi & Lime (4%) and Berries & Cherries (0%). We also have an excellent range of refreshing gins, including alcohol-free Seedlip spiced gin, with a specially selected choice of mixers to complement the taste of each.

SHARE OUR PASSION...

become a Friend of The Stables

Membership starts at just £30 per year

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

By becoming a Friend of The Stables you’ll be helping to support one of the UK’s favourite concert venues. You’ll also be entitled to a range of benefits designed to make your visits to us even more enjoyable.

Your support will enable us to plan for the future with greater confidence and ensure we can continue to develop our world-class music and education programmes.

To become a Friend please call The Stables box office on 01908 280800.

Alternatively, pick up a membership form from the box office or join online at stables.org

Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd (Registered charity number 261645)

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!

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

Under The Surface Tue 9 May SuRie Fri 9 Jun

Sarah Smout Sat 6 May

Malone Sibun Band

Thursday 2 March, 8.45pm £14.50

Following the release of their debut album Come Together, Malone Sibun, featuring Motown-schooled Marcus Malone on vocals and guitar and former Robert Plant guitarist and vocalist Innes Sibun, found themselves with a stack of great reviews and a full gig sheet – and then lockdown happened. Their latest album, Ashes & Dust, suggests they found the perfect way to channel their pent-up frustration into a snapshot of a band that Covid couldn’t keep down.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Verity Bromham Band 18 Jun

John Coghlan’s Quo Re-Imagined

Saturday 4 March, 8.45pm £20

John Coghlan, Status Quo’s drummer for over 20 years, is taking a fresh look at some of the Quo compositions. His quartet reimagines the musical feel of classics such as Pictures Of Matchstick Men, Caroline and In The Army Now, and the results maintain the essence of the originals while imbuing them with a lighter, more lyrical touch with hints of jazz and even classical genres.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Francis Rossi 7 Apr

Jenny Colquitt

Thursday 9 March, 8.45pm £13.50 in advance, £15.50 on the door

Emerging artist Jenny Colquitt encompasses a unique combination of Americana, indie and folk rock and pop. Winner of the 2021/2022 FATEA Female Artist Of The Year award, Jenny has a voice that uniquely combines the melodic undertones of artists such as Eva Cassidy and Alanis Morissette. Her debut album Something Beautiful was released in 2021.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Laura Cortese 7 May

Keith James: The Great Canadian Songbook

Friday 10 March, 8.45pm £20

Keith James performs the music of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, The Wainwrights, Leonard Cohen, KD Lang and many more. Keith says: “I have been listening to and influenced by all of these singer-songwriters throughout my career and have always been amazed by the unique sense of honesty and deep collective integrity that music from Canada possesses.”

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ron Sexsmith 15 May

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Wednesday 15 March, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Compere Andrew Bird introduces Sally-Anne Hayward and Mike Cox (line-up is subject to change).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Stephen K Amos 4 Nov

Patrick Monahan: Classy

Saturday 18 March, 8.45pm £15.50

In a world of groups, hierarchies and class systems, everyone’s trying hard to fit in. What’s wrong with just being you? Be you, be proud! From the caravan to the middle-class neighbourhood, it’s taken Patrick Monahan four decades to realise this. Enjoy Patrick’s stand-up observations on living in modern life.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Andy Parsons 26 Apr

Trichotomy

Wednesday 22 March, 8.45pm £13.50

Acclaimed Australian trio Trichotomy return to The Stables as part of their UK tour, supporting their new album To Vanish. The new release blends catchy melodies with intricate rhythms and embeds electronic sounds alongside the acoustic instruments, creating a captivating sound world.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Under The Surface Tue 9 May

HurlyBurly: Meet Me A Tree

Thursday 23 March, 11.30am & 2pm £16.50 admits one adult + one child; £6 for each additional ticket (adult or child); tickets are only bookable in person or by phone. Meet Me A Tree is an interactive first opera for 0-2 year-olds and their carers, featuring music by Schumann, Delibes and Handel as well as words and music created by the company. HurlyBurly invite you and your baby on a multisensory journey through a year in the life of a tree.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Theatre of Widdershins 12 Mar

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra

Thursday 23 March, 8.45pm £16.50

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra don’t care what genre you choose to put them in – Western Swing, blues, country, rock’n’roll or whatever else – as long as you understand that they’re 100% sincere and 100% immersed in this stuff. The Tea Pad sound draws on myriad influences, yet ultimately their northeastern Swing style is entirely their own.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Royal South 8 Apr

Hannah James and Toby Kuhn

Sunday 2 April, 8.45pm £15.50

Known for her work with Lady Maisery, Maddy Prior and Sam Sweeney, vocalist Hannah James is a leading figure on the UK folk scene. Always on the lookout for new ways to play his instrument, Toby Kuhn’s unorthodox approach has won admiration and acclaim, bringing the full potential of the cello with him on his journey across style and invention. Together, their music is soulful, original and conversational.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Sarah Smout

Emily Mae Winters

6 May

Wednesday 5 April, 8.45pm £13.50

Emily Mae Winters has that rare quality in a singer that makes critics reach for the superlatives. Described as having a voice that “stops you in your tracks” by Americana UK, Emily combines straight-to-the-heart bittersweetness with her own unique passion and drama in performance. Her much awaited second album High Romance was released in July 2019 and was listed in Folk Radio UK’s Top Ten Albums of the Year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Gretchen Peters 16 May

Zoe Schwarz & Rob Koral Duo

Thursday 13 April, 8.45pm £14

Well known for their popular touring band Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, Zoe (vocals) and Rob (guitar) are equally at home in the more intimate duo format. Expect a soulful mix of roots, jazz, and blues, combining old school tradition with contemporary verve. As you might expect, after two decades of intense gigging together, the communication between these two fine musicians is evident for all to hear.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Alice Armstrong Band 14 Sep

Hushman

Friday 14 April, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Liverpool-born Hushman (aka Ewan MacPherson) is a folk singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and music producer. He is a well-established figure on the vibrant Scottish music scene and was nominated as Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2014 MG Alba Trad Music Awards. In addition to his new Hushman project, Ewan is a member of Salt House and renowned acidcroft band Shooglenifty.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Kris Drever Band 6 Jun

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Wednesday 19 April, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Compere Andre Bird introduces Peter Brush and Abi CarterSimpson (line-up is subject to change.)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Stokes & Summers

7 Jul

Ray Cooper

Thursday 20 April, 8.45pm £13.50

Ray Cooper is an acoustic singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist. He accompanies his songs with a cello, mandolin, guitar and piano – each song comes with a story, and Ray has a lot of stories to tell. Since leaving Oysterband in 2013, he has carved out a successful solo career, recording four solo albums and touring extensively in the UK, northern Europe and Canada.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Sarah Smout

Edgar Broughton

6 May

Friday 21 April, 8.45pm £13.50

Edgar Broughton was a founder member of the Edgar Broughton Band in the 1960s. He is well known as one of the most strident of protest singers, but at times one of the most accessible. His solo performance is an emotive, entertaining tour de force containing both old favourites and new songs from the heart.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Gary Fletcher

12 May

Limited availability 14+

Mim Grey

Saturday 22 April, 8.45pm £14

Long-admired as a stellar UK vocal and songwriting talent, London-born Mim Grey has a deeply soulful voice and evocative tone. As an in-demand stage and studio session vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for numerous international household names, Mim’s talent has no doubt embellished much of the sound that has permeated your ears, even co-writing songs for the likes of Kylie Minogue.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Harriet 10 Jun

Andy Parsons (Work In Progress)

Wednesday 26 April, 8.45pm £14

Join Andy Parsons as he warms up for another national tour with this intimate airing of a brand new show. As seen on Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Patrick Monahan 18 Mar

Gilmore & Roberts

Friday 28 April, 8.45pm £16.50

Nominated three times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Katriona Gilmore (fiddle, mandolin) and Jamie Roberts (guitar) met while studying at Leeds College of Music and released their debut album in 2008. Since then, the duo have toured Canada and mainland Europe, played some of the UK’s biggest acoustic festivals, toured with folk rock legends Fairport Convention and won countless accolades for their genre-spanning work.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Alden & Patterson 12 Oct

Sarah Smout

Saturday 6 May, 8.45pm £14

Sarah Smout is a cellist-singer and activist, creating music and poetry deeply rooted in nature and place. Sarah’s solo performances are imbued with visceral storytelling, bristling with atmosphere and created with looped cello, haunting melodies and deeply felt lyrics. Audience members are left feeling transported and mesmerised, with sounds and rhythms that are never too far from the sea.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Hannah James and Toby Kuhn 2 Apr

Laura Cortese & Friends

Sunday 7 May, 8.45pm £16.50

Highly regarded American fiddler and smokey-voiced singersongwriter Laura Cortese and her band expand on the boundaries of what an indie-folk band can be. They pair sophisticated string arrangements with rich vocal harmonies and incorporate an edgy pop sensibility to create a bold and elegant sound, schooled in the lyrical rituals of folk music – all backed by grooves that alternately inspire Cajun two-stepping and rock’n’roll hip swagger.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Jenny Colquitt 9 Mar

Under the Surface

Tuesday 9 May, 8.45pm £13.50

Under the Surface are a Dutch band formed by drummer Joost Lijbaart, guitarist Bram Stadhouders and vocalist Sanne Rambags. Their debut album, released on Challenge Records in 2017, was nominated for an Edison Award. These three unique Dutch musicians have found a common urge to improvise, in which aesthetics, poetry and ensemble work all play a major role.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Trichotomy 22 Mar

Gary Fletcher

Friday 12 May, 8.45pm £16.50

A founder and ever-present member of The Blues Band, Gary Fletcher has appeared with and/or recorded with the likes of Peter Green, Maggie Bell, Van Morrison and Guy Barker. For his solo shows, Gary performs a compelling mix of originals and classic covers straddling blues, Americana and folk, playing guitar, slide, banjo, mandolin and ukulele – but not all at once!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Malone Sibun Band 2 Mar

Chris While and Johnny Heyes

Saturday 13 May, 8.45pm £15.50

Chris While has earned herself a reputation as one of the UK’s finest singers. Having toured tirelessly over the last 35 years, she is now ready to do solo work again, bringing to the stage her very personal songs, her warm personality and, of course, her heart-stopping voice. She will be joined by stunning guitarist Johnny Heyes.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Daphne’s Flight 23 Sep

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Wednesday 17 May, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door Compere Andrew Bird introduces Julian Deane and Kelli Taylor (line-up is subject to change).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

15 Oct

Our Man In The Field

Friday 19 May, 8.45pm £15.50

Alexander Ellis and his brilliant band of pedal steel, guitar, banjo, upright bass and drums (with fine harmony backing vocals) take inspiration from the alt-Americana and Caledonian soul stylings of Van Morrison, Neil Young and Wilco. Alexander’s own sound is indefinable yet familiar – its introspective, intimate and deeply soulful style standing comfortably alongside modern-day artists such as Damien Rice and Foy Vance.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Carrivick Sisters

John Etheridge and Kit Holmes

15 Jun

Saturday 20 May, 8.45pm £20.50

Enjoy an uplifting evening of blues, folk, jazz, African grooves and much more from two outstanding guitarists. With over 50 years of live performance and recordings, it is no exaggeration to say that John Etheridge’s music spans a myriad of styles from gypsy jazz to acid-rock and everything in between! Kit Holmes’ trademark sultry vocals and virtuoso guitar playing have wowed audiences across the UK.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Tim Kliphuis Trio 17 May

Ellie Gowers

Tuesday 23 May, 8.45pm £11

Ellie Gowers is a songwriter and guitarist from Warwickshire. Her carefully crafted and emotionally mature catalogue of original material references artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and Laura Marling. Ellie’s debut album Dwelling By The Weir was released last year. Weaving the past, present and future together, the album explores the folklore, stories and people that made her home county of Warwickshire what it is today.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Jill Jackson 2 Jun

Counter’s Creek

Friday 26 May, 8.45pm £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door

Counter’s Creek are an acoustic folk band based in London who make original music inspired by the folk music of the British Isles and beyond. Jigs, reels, songs and grooves from Eastern Europe and West Africa, four-part harmony and catchy melodies are all performed with a real sense of swing and dance energy.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS The Canny Band 3 Sep

Jill Jackson

Friday 2 June, 8.45pm £15.50

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Ellie Gowers 23 May

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

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 be performing 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. Having grown up in South Devon, an area rich in folk lore and legends, much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Our Man In The Field

Kyshona

19 May

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 for 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

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, utilising 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 listeners in with tales of both the everyday and the unexpected.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS Chris Smither 26 Apr

workshops & courses learn and take part

Harmonica Beginners Part 2 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 4 March or Saturday 6 May, 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.

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 2 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 11 March or Saturday 3 June, 10am-3pm £36

Improve your blues playing with this workshop designed to help you move on with your technique. By looking at tunes by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker, you’ll learn about 12-bar progressions, the blues scale and shuffle rhythms in more depth. Please bring a six-string acoustic guitar with you; prior attendance on the Beginners Part 1 workshop is recommended.

Refresher Sax from Scratch Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 18 March or 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.

Harmonica Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 1 April, 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 6 May)

Saxophone from Scratch Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 8 April, 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 Beginners Course Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 15 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 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.

Ukulele Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 22 April, 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.

Saxophone Improving Beginners Course Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 15 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 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.

Saxophone Study Group Adult/15+ Course

Saturdays 29 April, 27 May, 24 June, 15 July (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.

Loop Pedal Workshop Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 30 April, 10am-12pm OR 12.30-2.30pm

£26

As used by beatboxers, percussionists, rappers, songwriters and musicians from many different genres, the loop pedal can turn one solo performer into a band, layering rhythms, harmonies and effects.

This workshop is an introduction to using, arranging and performing into a loop pedal and to basic concepts and theories of looping, popular models of looper, set-up and general live/ studio troubleshooting. Although looping is usually solo, for technical and teaching reasons this workshop is based around group working with one pedal, as the group tries out themes and patterns to show how to build an improvised performance.

The workshop is open to musicians from different genres and is suitable for any acoustic instruments with pick-up and also for intermediate players with some experience of performing live. (No amplifiers please). Vocalists are also welcome. No previous loop pedal experience is needed, but you must be reasonably confident on your instrument or voice and have an understanding of chords and keys. (Contact education@stables.org if you have any questions about your instrument suitability for this workshop.)

Led by Daniel Turnbull aka Funke and the Two Tone Baby. Playing a unique blend of dance music, blues and folk styling, Funke has pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved live with loopers and samplers. He has played shows across the world and wowed audiences from Glastonbury to Sziget, WOMAD to Boomtown.

Latin Percussion for Beginners Adult/15+ Course

Sundays 30 April, 14 May, 4 June, 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.)

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 1 Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 30 April, 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, hammer-ons 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. (The follow-on workshop Blues Guitar Beginners Part 2 takes place on Saturday 3 June.)

Singing Lead Vocals & Microphone Technique Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 14 May, 1.30-5pm £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.

Ukulele Beginners Part 2

Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 20 May, 10am-3pm £36

This workshop is ideal for beginner ukulele players to develop their playing further. Building on Beginners Part 1, this workshop will help you to develop your rhythm and melody playing skills, add new chords and combine different strokes for rhythmic effects. Using a mix of contemporary and vintage material, you’ll also get the chance to practice as a ukulele band and try out playing the melody, accompanying and adding colour to the musical arrangements. Previous attendance at Ukulele Beginners Part 1 is recommended and you will need to bring a soprano-, tenor- or concert-sized ukulele.

Introduction to Music Recording and Production Part 1

Saturday 3 June, 10am-4pm

Adult/15+

Workshop

£48

Our popular course for anyone who would like a basic introduction to recording and production using music technology, looking at microphone techniques, recording different instruments, and production techniques. The workshop uses MAC computer and Logic Software, but uses them to look at the principles that apply generally across Digital Audio Workstations software such as Ableton, Cubase and Sonar. You will focus on recording and production rather than just creating within the software and you’ll be able to take away audio files of tracks produced to further practice the skills you’ve learned. If you play an instrument, please bring it along for the afternoon recording session to learn how best to record it. (The Part 2 follow-on workshop on Saturday 24 June looks in more detail into studio-based recording and production.)

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.

Introduction to Music Recording and Production Part 2 Adult/15+ Workshop

Saturday 24 June, 10am-4pm

£48

Aimed at those who have attended the Intro to Music Recording and Production Part 1 workshop or who already have some experience of recording and music technology, this follow-up session will look in more depth at microphone technique, effects and processors, synthesis, MIDI, mixing and mastering and the techniques you need to create great recordings in your own home or DIY studio. The workshop uses MAC computer and Logic Software, but in a way that applies generally across Digital Audio Workstations software such as Ableton, Cubase and Sonar. If you play an instrument, please bring it along for the afternoon recording session. This course follows on from Introduction to Music Recording and Production Part 1 on Saturday 3 June.

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).

and not forgetting...

Tickets are still available for the following shows in February:

also on sale

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Tuesday 14 February, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

JULY

Sat 1 G4 Live £33.50 & £27.50

Thu 6 The Very Best of Tommy Cooper

£22.50

Fri 7 LiveWire: The ACDC Show £27

Sat 8 Nell Bryden

£25.50

Wed 12 Tony Christie 80th Birthday Tour £31

Thu 13 New Amen Corner: Bringing On Back the 60s £21

Sat 15 Northern Soul Live with The Signatures & Lorraine Silver

£27.50

Sun 16 An Evening with Andy Hamilton

£23.50

Wed 19 Potato Head Jazz Band £20

AUGUST

Sat 26 Hats Off to Led Zeppelin

£22.50

Thu 31 Colosseum £25

SEPTEMBER

Fri 1 Hello Again: Tribute to Neil Diamond

£32

Sat 2 Solstice + Ebony Buckle

£18.50

Sun 3 Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

£22.50

Fri 8 Marty Wilde £32

Thu 14 Cloudbusting : The Music of Kate Bush

£26.50 & £25

Fri 15 Shakatak

£23.50

Sat 16 Fleetwood Bac £26

Thu 21 The Stars from the Commitments £33

Fri 22 Abba Forever £30

Sat 23 Daphne’s Flight £21

Nell Bryden

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper

also on sale

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Sun 24 Michael English £27.50

Mon 25 Wishbone Ash £33.50

Fri 29 John Robins: Howl £24

Sat 30 Ruby Turner £26.50

OCTOBER

Wed 4 Judy Collins £33.50

Fri 6 The Enid £25

Sun 8 Ronnie Scott’s All Star Band £25

Thu 12 Best of Queen £33

Fri 13 Lindisfarne £33

Sat 14 Nearly Dan £23.50

Mon 16 Limehouse Lizzy £26

Thu 19 Albert Lee £29.50

Fri 20 Syd Lawrence Orchestra £26.50/£24.50

Fri 27 The Bluejays: Rave On, The Rise of Rock & Roll £26.50

NOVEMBER

Fri 3 Classic Clapton £22.50

Sat 4 Stephen K Amos: Oxymoron £20.50

Sun 5 Cavern Beatles £26

Wed 8 Sound of Springsteen £27.50

Fri 10 The Real Thing £37

Sat 11 Clare Teal £31.50

Fri 17 & Sat 18 Talon: Hotel California Tour £29.50

Thu 23 Ben Poole and Catfish CoHeadliner £22

Fri 24 Bye Bye Baby: A Celebration of Frankie Vallie £31.50

Wed 29 Geoff Norcott £18.50

Ruby Turner Sat 30 Sep

Shakatak

Fri 15 Sep

Albert Lee

Thu 19 Oct

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Tuesday 14 February, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

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

DECEMBER

Fri 1 Jo Caulfield £20

Sat 2 No Jacket Required £22

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

Jo Caulfield

STAGE 2 ALL SHOWS START AT 8.45PM , EXCEPT WHERE STATED

JULY

Fri 7 Stokes & Summers: Careering £13.50

SEPTEMBER

Fri 1 Fraser Anderson £13.50

Sun 3 The Canny Band £13.50

Thu 7 Matt Owens & the Delusional Vanity Project £11 & £13.50

Thu 14 Alice Armstrong Band £13.50

Sat 30 The Arc £13.50

OCTOBER

Thu 12 Christina Alden & Alex Patterson

£11 & £13.50

Wed 18 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

£11 & £13.50

Sun 2 Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse

£14.50

NOVEMBER

Wed 15 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

£11 & £13.50

Fri 24 Ward, Knutor & Townes £15.50

DECEMBER

Wed 13 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

£11 & £13.50

Poole

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

How to find us

TThe 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

MARCH

Thu 2 The Story of Guitar Heroes

Thu 2 Malone Sibun Band

Fri 3 Pete Firman

Sat 4 TRADarr, Palmerston and Smith & Brewer

Sat 4 John Coghlan’s Quo Reimagined

Sun 5 Ceilidh Experience Concert & Dance

Tue 7 The Lost King (12)

Wed 8 Sir Scallywag & The Golden Underpants

Wed 8 Ensemble 360

Thu 9 Billy Joel Albums Show

Thu 9 Jenny Colquitt

Fri 10 Aynsley Lister

Fri 10 Keith James

Sat 11 Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band

Sun 12 Theatre of Widdershins

Sun 12 Bridget Christie

Mon 13 Van Morrison

Tue 14 Van Morrison

Wed 15 Van Morrison

Wed 15 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Thu 16 Hayley Griffiths Band

Fri 17 Roachford

Sat 18 Showaddywaddy

Sat 18 Patrick Monahan

Sun 19 The Cream of Clapton Band

Tue 21 Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full of Songs

Wed 22 Mrs Paris Goes To Paris (PG)

Wed 22 Trichotomy

Thu 23 HurlyBurly: Meet Me A Tree

Thu 23 Gary Meikle 2.5

Thu 23 Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra

Fri 24 Feast of Fiddles

Sat 25 Counterfeit Stones

Sun 26 Sunday Sessions: Joanna Eden Band

Sun 26 George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Tue 28 The Fureys

Wed 29 Martin Simpson

Thu 30 Battle of the Bands

Fri 31 Police Dog Hogan

APRIL

Sat 1 Simon Evans

Sun 2 Axel Blake

Sun 2 Hannah James & Toby Kuhn

Wed 5 The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Wed 5 Emily Mae Winters

Thu 6 Sabrina Francis

Fri 7 Francis Rossi

Sat 8 Royal South

Tue 11 Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Wed 12 Liza Pulman & Joe Stilgoe

Thu 13 Pop Princesses

Thu 13 Simon Brodkin

Thu 13 Zoë Shawarz & Rob Koral Duo

Fri 14 Marcus Brigstocke

Fri 14 Hushman

Sat 15 Sons of Pitches

Sun 16 Sunday Sessions: Art Themen Trio

Sun 16 Jon Allen & The Luna Kings

Tue 18 Focus

Wed 19 Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band

Wed 19 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Thu 20 Scummy Mummies

Thu 20 Ray Cooper

Fri 21 Scummy Mummies

Fri 21 Edgar Broughton

Sat 22 Nights on Broadway

Sat 22 Mim Grey

Sun 23 Woburn Sands Band

Mon 24 Mike Massé

Tue 25 Peter White

Wed 26 Chris Smither

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Tuesday 14 February, prior to which Stables Friends have priority.

Educational Friends and Founders discount applies

For more information see page 3

Wed 26 Andy Parsons

Thu 27 Magical Bones

Fri 28 Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Fri 28 Gilmore & Roberts

Sat 29 Carl Hutchinson

MAY

Wed 3 Georgia Cécile Quintet

Thu 4 Fisherman’s Friends

Fri 5 The Tiger Lillies

Sat 6 The Zombies

Sat 6 Sarah Smout

Sun 7 Sunday Sessions: Tipitina

Sun 7 Hothouse Flowers

Sun 7 Laura Cortese & Friends

Tue 9 Elkie Brooks

Tue 9 Under the Surface

Wed 10 Ivo Graham

Thu 11 Show of Hands

Fri 12 Peter Cox

Fri 12 Gary Fletcher

Sat 13 Johnny Cash Roadshow

Sat 13 Chris While & Johnny Heyes

Sun 14 Black Sabbitch

Mon 15 Ron Sexsmith

Tue 16 Gretchen Peters

Wed 17 Tim Kliphuis Trio

Wed 17 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Thu 18 Tracy Borman

Fri 19 All or Nothing Experience Concert Show

Fri 19 Our Man In The Field

Sat 20 Ultimate Bowie Show

Sat 20 John Etheridge & Kit Holmes

Sun 21 Sunday Sessions: Sara Dowling

Sun 21 Nik Kershaw Band

Tue 23 Eric Bibb

Tue 23 Ellie Gowers

Mancini

Thu 25 King For A Day: The Nat King Cole Story

Fri 26 Quo Connection

Fri 26 Counter’s Creek

Sat 27 Bernie Marsden

Sat 28 Antonio Forcione Quartet

Mon 29 Curtis Stigers

Tue 30 Curtis Stigers

Wed 31 Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

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 the Lighthouse Family

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 Griff Rhys Jones

Fri 16 Kyshona

Sat 17 Griff Rhys Jones

Sun 18 Verity Bromham Band

Fri 23 Oye Santana

Fri 23 Chris Fox

Sun 25 The Drifters

Wed 28 Raghu Dixit

Fri 30 Jazz Dynamos

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 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