The Stables what's on guide March to June 2025

The Laine Dankworth Centre | Wavendon | Milton Keynes

Issue 92 | March - June 2025

world class music & entertainment

Supported using public funding by

box office 01908 280800 www.stables.org

Issue 92 Mar - Jun

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 – and a registered charity.

Founded by the world-famous jazz musicians Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine in 1970, the venue 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, and our year-round programme of music-related workshops and courses offers a wealth of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to develop their skills and experience.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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keep up to date All details in the brochure are correct at time of going to print.

Visit our website at stables.org to keep up to date with all the latest news as well as details of all our new shows going on sale throughout the year.

Issue 92 Mar - Jun

front cover artists contents JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM March April May June

4 - 14 14 - 22 22 - 29 30 - 35

STAGE 2 March - June

37 - 45

Also on sale

46 - 48

LEARN & TAKE PART April - June

49 - 56

IF: MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 57 - 59

Booking & visitor information Diary

Craig Revel Horwood Saturday 5 April

page 15

60 - 61 62 - 63

Alan Davies

information key

Thursday 27 March page 13

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

Mamudou Sussou & Suntou Sussuo

New shows which are open for public booking from Friday 14 February. Prior to this date Stables Friends have priority.

Wednesday 2 April page 14

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

Jacqui Dankworth

This event takes place in Stage 2.

Thursday 8 May page 23

This event takes place in Mancini Forum.

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

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16+

Marcus Brigstocke: Vitruvian Mango £20.50

Saturday 1 March, 8pm

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MARCH

What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines, most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them – so are we fellas of any use at all? Award-winning man Marcus Brigstocke thinks we might still serve some useful function. But what is it? Marcus’s new tour resolves the entire issue once and for all.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 12 Oct

14+

David O’Doherty: Tiny Piano Man £25.50

Sunday 2 March, 8pm

The dishevelled prince of 10 eBay keyboards tries to make you feel alive with a new pageant of laughter, song and occasionally getting up from a chair. It’s gonna be a big one. Star of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live At The Apollo, The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024 and Along For The Ride With David O’Doherty, and co-host of hit podcast What Did You Do Yesterday?.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: John Shuttleworth 25 Mar

Giddy Goat

featuring Ensemble 360 and narrator Lucy Drever Tuesday 4 March, performances at 11am & 1pm (concert lasts approximately 50 minutes) For ages 3 to 7, Foundation/Key Stage 1

Schools’ / Family Concert

£8 free teachers ticket with every 10 seats booked

This musical tale follows the trials and tribulations of Giddy, a young mountain goat who is scared of heights, as he faces his fears and makes new friends. It is based on the colourful children’s book by Jamie Rix and Lynne Chapman*, with specially composed music by Paul Rissmann. This captivating concert includes projected illustrations and some irresistibly catchy songs with actions, ideal for engaging young children in high quality music, as well as firing up their imaginations.

Before the concert why not buy the book, download the free participation pack, use the Learn the Songs YouTube videos and other learning and participation resources at musicintheround.co.uk/giddy-goat-resource-hub/. *Published by Orchard Books.

Free twilight teachers/educators inset session for participating groups on Tuesday 5 February, 4.30pm-6.00pm. Contact education@stables.org for more information.

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Ensemble 360: Fantasias and Flights £24 & £22

Tuesday 4 March, 8pm

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Phantasy String Quartet Three Divertimenti for String Quartet Eilean Shona Phantasy String Quartet op.25 Three-part Fantasias 1, 2 & 3 (transc Warlock) Howells: Rhapsodic Quintet Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending (arr. Gerigk) The violin soars melodiously above the rest of the quartet in the gorgeous arrangement of Vaughan Williams’ most popular work The Lark Ascending, which concludes this concert of English music for clarinet and string quartet. Fantasies from the Baroque gems of Purcell’s Three-part Fantasias (arranged for string trio) and Imogen Holst’s Phantasy String Quartet sit alongside this perennial favourite, while Holbrooke’s intoxicating depiction of a Scottish island is a magical Celtic evocation for clarinet and strings.

MARCH

Holst: Britten: Holbrooke: Howells: Purcell:

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Alina Orchestra 31 May Free tickets for under-25s As a member of the Cavatina Trust ticket scheme, which enables young people to enjoy live chamber music, we are able to offer a limited number of free tickets to eight- to 25-year-olds for this concert. To book these tickets, contact the box office.

BLMK’s Battle of the Bands 2025 Thursday 6 March, 7pm

£11, concessions £6

Come and see BLMK Music Hub’s epic musical talent of the future performing live! Schools from across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes send their best bands to perform in an on-stage event in the hope of becoming champions. The evening is sponsored by several local companies including the awesome Marshall, Kawai and TT Rockstars.

Promoted by Inspiring Music Hub, Bedford Music Hub and Milton Keynes Music Service

Police Dog Hogan Friday 7 March, 8pm

£22.50

Following the release of their 2022 album Overground, Police Dog Hogan return to performing live, with dates taking them across the UK. The band combine guitar, fiddle, banjo, trumpet and accordion with bass and drums to create a driving country-folk sound that has earned them a large live following. They’ve played dozens of the UK’s leading festivals, including Glastonbury, Cropredy, Cornbury, Kendall Calling, Black Deer and Sidmouth Folk.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Young’uns 25 May

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

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JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MARCH

16+

Lucy Porter: No Regrets Saturday 8 March, 8pm

£22.50

The irrepressible Lucy Porter bounces back into action with a show all about regrets. Frank Sinatra had too few to mention but Lucy’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them. Disastrous dates, professional calamities, ruined friendships and parenting fails – Lucy describes all the mistakes she’s made, works out why they happened and ponders how her life would have turned out if she’d acted differently.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Sara Pascoe 19 May

Ceilidh Experience Concert & Dance Sunday 9 March, 1.30pm-4pm

£7.50

Come along and join in with the dancing as participants from the 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 (10+).

GCSE and A-Level Set-Work Concert MK Music Hub in partnership with Alina Orchestra Tuesday 11 March, 1pm Milton Keynes Music Hub joins with Milton Keynes’ own professional orchestra, Alina, to present a special event for GCSE and A-Level music students. The orchestra will perform some of the courses’ set works and analyse the key moments, instruments and history of the music to support your studies.

The event is offered free to Milton Keynes’ school groups in years 9,10,11,12 and 13. For all enquiries, contact sue.wakley@milton-keynes.gov.uk

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

The Dublin Legends £31.50

Tuesday 11 March, 8pm

keep up to date

Stay connected! like us on facebook

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.

/StablesMK

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Fureys 9 Apr

MARCH

The Dublin Legends perform Irish folk as it was meant to be – pure and straight from the heart. When the band take to the stage, within a few minutes you will feel like you’re in an Irish pub – the beating heart of Irish cities and villages, where stories about tough sailors, fiery romances and unhappy loves are told over a pint of Guinness or a good glass of whiskey.

follow us on X @stablesMK

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The Counterfeit Stones Thursday 13 March, 8pm

Standing only available £25

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 The Counterfeit Stones? The band’s latest fast shuffle promises yet another night of utter Copy-Rock. Now in their 33rd year, these fraud-stars continue to deliver the best ‘moc‘n’roll’ show on the circuit.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Kast Off Kinks 22 Mar

Last remaining tickets

The Story of Guitar Heroes £30.50

Friday 14 March, 8pm

One of the UK’s premier live concert experiences, The Story of Guitar Heroes has won critical acclaim both at home and abroad for its incredible homage to some of the most influential and iconic guitarists from the past 50 years of popular music. Featuring worldclass musicians and state-of-the-art video projection, the show journeys through five decades, from 1950s rock’n’roll through to the most creative and inspirational guitar heroes of the modern era.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The History of Rock 13 Jun

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

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SUNDAY SESSIONS MANCINI FORUM

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.

James Allsopp Quartet plays Stan Getz Sunday 16 March, 11.30am £16.50 “This is a new project inspired by the music I grew up listening to, a salute to one of my all-time saxophone heroes – Stan Getz. There is so much fantastic repertoire associated with Stan from lush ballads and bossa novas to swinging standards and bebop compositions.”

Joanna Eden Band Sunday 13 April, 11.30am £18.50 Regular Stables artist, singer-pianist-songwriter Joanna Eden is unmistakably English in the same way as Christine McVie and Stevie Winwood, but her songwriting and voice lean heavily into the jazz and Latin music of her heroes Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Sondheim, Bernstein, Gilberto and Getz.

Gershwin Piano Trio Sunday 18 May, 11.30am £16.50 A leading figure on the British jazz scene, Gabriel Latchin brings together his trio to showcase bebop at its finest. They will perform music from their new Gershwin release, including Summertime, I Got Rhythm and The Man I Love.

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

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

ENAJZOY YSUNDAY

L G THAT ING FEELIN N R O M

Returns only

A Night To Remember Motown Show £36

Saturday 15 March, 8pm

James Allsop Quartet plays Stan Getz £16.50

Sunday 16 March, 11.30am

“There is so much fantastic repertoire associated with Stan, from lush ballads and bossa novas to swinging standards and bebop compositions. We have chosen a varied programme reflecting this range of material and have interpreted the music respectfully but not reverentially, allowing it to breathe and feel natural for our time.”

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Gershwin Piano Trio

Returns only

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Northern Soul Live 21 Jun

MARCH

A Night To Remember Motown Show takes you back in time to 1960s Detroit. Be prepared for a high-energy show packed with the greatest Motown hits. Starring The Voice UK finalist Bizzi Dixon and backed by the soulful vocal dynamics of The Motown Divas, this musical celebration is sure to have you singing along and dancing in the aisles and the streets.

18 May

The South £36

Sunday 16 March, 8pm

The South are an impressive nine-piece band featuring former members of The Beautiful South, including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting band have spent 14 years touring the UK recreating the full sound and arrangements of treasured songs such as A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Good As Gold, Don’t Marry Her and many more.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Eddi Reader 10 & 11 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.

email boxoffice@stables.org

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

box office 01908 280800

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Graham Gouldman: Heart Full Of Songs £31

Monday 17 March, 8pm

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MARCH

Graham Gouldman co-founded 10cc in 1972 and went on to achieve three number one singles – Rubber Bullets, I’m Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday. It’s the enduring appeal of these tracks, along with Graham’s passion for performing acoustic versions, which inspired the creation of Heart Full Of Songs.

The show features many 10cc classics alongside tracks from his critically acclaimed solo album, Love and Work.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Francis Rossi 28 Oct

Soft Machine £21

Tuesday 18 March, 8pm

Soft Machine are one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work has influenced several generations of artists and continues to be namechecked by today’s hip experimentalists. The current line-up features John Etheridge on guitar, Asaf Sirkis on drums, Theo Travis on saxophones and Fred Thelonius Baker on bass. Soft Machine will perform material from throughout the band’s illustrious career.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Focus 28 Apr 2026

Charlie Connelly: Attention All Shipping – A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast Wednesday 19 March, 8pm

£21 & £18.50

‘Dogger, Fisher, German Bight’: Charlie Connelly brings the shipping forecast vividly to life in this hilarious and moving celebration of an iconic cultural institution. Inspired by his bestselling book, Charlie explores the broadcast’s remarkable history, unlocks its beguiling mysteries and tells rip-roaring stories of his own adventures among the sea areas.

14+

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain Thursday 20 March, 8pm

£20.50

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year’s funny and moving memoir, one of Britain’s most beloved and scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it’s cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love letter to letter-writing, a trip back through Shaparak’s early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Sara Pascoe 19 May

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Graffiti Classics Friday 21 March, 8pm £27.50, under-16s free (ticket required)

become a friend

Join online at stables.org/support_us/friends or call Enjoy some great benefits including priority booking, discounted 01908 280800 for further information tickets and the What’s On Brochure four times a year!

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 19 Jun

MARCH

Take 16 strings, eight dancing feet and four voices – all with one aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating for everyone. Graffiti Classics burst the elitist boundaries of the traditional string quartet with their hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy show. It’s a classical concert, a gypsy-folk romp, an opera, a stand-up comedy set and a brilliant dance show all rolled into one!

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

The Kast Off Kinks Saturday 22 March, 8pm

£27.50

The Kast Off Kinks include former members of legendary band The Kinks. This great line-up features Mick Avory (founding member of The Kinks and the original drummer on all the classic hits from 1964-84), Mark Haley, Mike Steed and Dave Clarke.

Expect all the hits, including You Really Got Me, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, Sunny Afternoon, Lola, Come Dancing and many more for a great night out!

Promoted by Mark Southgate

Family Ceilidh

with the MK Youth Ceilidh Band Sunday 23 March, 1.30pm Adults/12+ £5, children 11 and under free (ticket required) Enjoy a fun afternoon of ceilidh dancing with the MK Youth Ceilidh Band. This new band of young players have been learning dance tunes and perform them with a modern twist. No previous experience is needed – our dance caller will guide you through the steps in an inclusive way suitable for all ages (except very little ones!). Children aged 7 and under will need an adult to partner with them on the dance floor.

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

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Reg Meuross: Fire & Dust – The Woody Guthrie Story £22

Sunday 23 March, 8pm

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MARCH

Commissioned by Pete Townshend, tonight’s show is a journey into the soul of one of America’s finest folk musicians. This incredible new song-cycle draws important parallels between Woody Guthrie’s time and our own, with each song revealing Reg Meuross’ skills as a performer and storyteller at their absolute best. He’s joined on stage

by Geraint Watkins, Marion Fleetwood and Phil Beer.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Peggy Seeger 14 Jun

WeCompose School Concerts Monday 24 & Tuesday 25 March A culmination concert for schools taking part in the WeCompose project, a programme to support schools in developing young people’s creativity and composing skills.

Students have been supported by visits from professional composers and extensive resources to help create their own music, which will be performed by internationally renowned ensemble the Ligetti Quartet at this concert. For more information, contact education@stables.org.

Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan £25

Monday 24 March, 8pm

Grammy Award-winner Kayhan Kalhor is regarded as the world’s greatest master of the kamancheh (Persian violin). One of the most exciting of his many collaborations is his duo with the renowned Turkish baglama player Erdal Erzincan. Their music is thoroughly modern and seeks to bring listeners into its trancelike realm by interweaving ecstatic rhythms with sensual melodic phrases.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mamudou Susso & Suntou Sussou 2 Apr

16+

John Shuttleworth: Raise The Oof Tuesday 25 March, 8pm

£27.50

Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend and “the 42nd best reason to love Britain” (The Telegraph), John Shuttleworth is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!). In Raise The Oof, John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man, next-door neighbour Ken Worthington, who came last on New Faces in 1973 (Tony Hatch crucified him!).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: David O’Doherty 2 Mar

12

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Cara Dillon: Coming Home £31

Wednesday 26 March, 8pm

Last remaining tickets 16+

29 Mar

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

MARCH

Following the official release of the album and the publication of her book, Cara Dillon is bringing her acclaimed Coming Home show to life once again. This fabulous concert sees Cara skilfully interweave emotive new material with a carefully curated selection of her much-loved classics. She’ll be accompanied by a talented band led by Sam Lakeman.

Alan Davies + support

£42

Thursday 27 March, 8pm

Alan Davies visits The Stables for a rare headline appearance, topping a line-up of side-splitting comedians! One of the nation’s very favourite comics, Alan’s stand-up is renowned for being “deeply personal and wryly funny stuff from a comedian in his prime” (The Scotsman) and “an object lesson in classy, observational storytelling stand-up” (Chortle).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hal Cruttenden 22 Nov

Harriet: Trying To Get The Feeling Again Friday 28 March, 8pm

£25.50

Harriet has announced more shows on her Trying To Get The Feeling Again tour, which sees her perform intimate interpretations of her favourite sounds of the 1970s, including hits by Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King and The Carpenters, interlaced with her nostalgic original material. This is a special opportunity to hear Harriet perform songs from the era that inspires her the most and share the stories behind her connection to the music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Zervas & Pepper 14 Sep

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

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James Brown v Prince featuring Funk Soul Orchestral

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MAR / APR

Saturday 29 March, 8pm

£33.50

Funk Soul Orchestral pay homage to the legendary legacies of James Brown and Prince, two iconic artists who have left an indelible mark on the music world. From the funk anthems Sex Machine, Kiss, Get Up Offa That Thing and I Wanna Be Your Lover to the timeless ballads Purple Rain and Man’s World, this show is a must-see for all fans of soul and funk music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Real Thing 1 Nov

16+

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time £36

Sunday 30 March, 8pm

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 12 Oct

Mamudou Susso & Suntou Susso: Father and Son Tour £20, under-18s £6

Wednesday 2 April, 8pm

Prepare to be transported to The Gambia, the smiling coast of Africa, on a journey you will never forget. Legendary kora master Mamudou Susso and his son, the UK-based rising star Suntou, showcase centuries of a musical culture known for its affirming and positive lyrics.

Together, they channel the traditions that have been passed down for generations and present a never-before-seen look at the future of the Mandinka griot culture.

The kora is a harp lute with 22 strings from The Gambia, and is a rare and enchanting instrument.

Griots play an important inherited role as cultural ambassadors, historians and entertainers, builders of peaceful, accepting communities.

They carry the identity of their people through song.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan 24 Mar

14

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Tony Christie Unplugged Farewell Tour £33.50

Thursday 3 April, 8pm

Elles Bailey

+ support from Demi Marriner £25

Friday 4 April, 8pm

Elles Bailey, the inspirational, award-winning, smokey voiced chanteuse who has powered her way to the forefront of the British Americana and roots scenes in recent years, has released her fourth studio album, Beneath The Neon Glow, and is embarking on her largest UK tour to date. The album sees her effortlessly weave through roots, rock and soul-inspired Americana.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Marty Wilde 5 Oct

APRIL

Enjoy an evening with Tony Christie – unplugged and up close.

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Chantel McGregor & Blue Nation 8 Jun

Craig Revel Horwood: Revelations – Songs Boys Don’t Sing Saturday 5 April, 8pm £38.50, VIP seats £54.50,

Super VIP seats £89.50 (includes pre-show meet-and-greet) Craig Revel Horwood has worked on the nation’s biggest musicals as a choreographer and director. He is also a remarkable singer, and to celebrate the release of his debut album, Revelations, he’ll reveal his own hidden talent during a Fab-U- Lous night of big songs, tall tales and glamour.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Lee Mead 10 Jun

Woburn Sands Band Sunday 6 April, 4pm

£16.50, under-18s £6

The Woburn Sands Band presents A Journey Through The Musicals. The programme will include arrangements of some of the best-loved melodies from the musicals. Come along to this early-evening event for some true family entertainment from your favourite local brass band, with soloists from the band featured in this, the seventy-second concert in the Drakeloe Series.

Promoted by The Woburn Sands Band

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

15

The Amazing Bubble Man Monday 7 April, 11.30am & 2pm

APRIL JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

£16, under-16s £14

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for more than 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he has enjoyed 14 years of sell-out success. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Teach Rex Live 19 Apr

Wicked Little Letters Monday 7 April, 7.30pm

15

£10 & £8, under-16s £9 & £7

A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark, absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. When Edith (Olivia Colman) and fellow residents start to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose (Jessie Buckley) is charged with the crime. However, as the town’ s women begin their own investigations, they suspect that something is amiss and Rose might not be the culprit after all. (102 minutes)

Paddington In Peru Tuesday 8 April, 11.30am

PG

16+

£6 & £4

Paddington In Peru brings Paddington’s story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to Peru’s mountain peaks.

(103 minutes)

Miles Jupp: On I Bang Tuesday 8 April, 8pm

£27.50

Obviously, one doesn’t wish to make a big deal of having a brain tumour removed, but this recent experience has left Miles Jupp with a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share with the room. So that’s exactly what he’s doing in his latest show On I Bang – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 12 Oct

16

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

The Fureys £26

Wednesday 9 April, 8pm

Eddi Reader

+ support from MG Boulter Thursday 10 & Friday 11 April, 8pm

£33.50

Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. Eddi’s rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combined with an astute and pragmatic nature makes her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Dublin Legends 11 Mar

APRIL

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: Nell Bryden 16 Nov

Johnny Cash Roadshow Saturday 12 April, 8pm

£30.50

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: Rhinestone Cowboy: The Glen Campbell Story 22 May

Joanna Eden Band Sunday 13 April, 11.30am

£18.50

Regular Stables artist Joanna Eden is unmistakably English in the same way as Christine McVie and Steve Winwood, but her songwriting and voice lean heavily into jazz and Latin music.

A recent writing and recording trip to South America lends a vibrant new sound to Joanna’s latest album The Road To Paysandu.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jacqui Dankworth 8 May

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

17

16+

Dylan Moran & support

£23.50

Tuesday 15 April, 8pm

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

APRIL

Stand-up legend Dylan Moran joins us for an extended headline set at this very special evening of comedy! Dylan is a comedian, actor and writer who won the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1996. Black Books, the Channel 4 hit sitcom he cowrote and starred in, won him two BAFTAs. His film credits include Shaun Of The Dead, Notting Hill and Run Fatboy Run. LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ed Byrne 30 Mar

UK Blues Awards Wednesday 16 April, 7.30pm

£27.50

The UK Blues Federation is delighted to bring the UK Blues Awards to The Stables for the second year running. This prestigious event gets bigger and bigger and it’s now a staple in the blues community’s diary. Once again Paul Jones will host the evening and introduce fabulous live music from some of the award nominees as well as from the very special guests presenting those coveted awards.

Promoted by the UK Blues Federation

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

16+

B ecome 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.

For further information please call 01908 280800 or email development@stables.org Join our group of volunteers and become a Stablemate.

Purchase Gift Vouchers which can be exchanged for tickets at The Stables.

Jamali Maddix: Aston Thursday 17 April, 8pm

£24.50

Critically acclaimed comedian Jamali Maddix is back on the road with his new show. Expect Jamali’s trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large. His previous tours have sold out across the globe, playing in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. He is a regular on Sky’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kane Brown 15 May

18

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Lionel: The Music of Lionel Richie £26

Friday 18 April, 8pm

Teach Rex Live: Dinosaur Show Saturday 19 April, performances at 10am & 12.30pm

£13.50, under-12s £12 Teach Rex use lifelike dinosaurs to perform their one-hour show, teaching children about the anatomy and life of some of the most mesmerising creatures to have ever roamed our planet.

The show is packed with special effects and music, and gives children and their families the chance to get up close and personal with these fantastic, realistic beasts.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Real Thing 1 Nov

APRIL

Following appearances with Lionel Richie himself on ITV’s Sunday Night At The Palladium and the Graham Norton Show for the BBC, Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse and breathtaking performance in this high octane show celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores. This award-winning five-star production also features a stellar line-up of world-class musicians including musical director Jonny Miller from Talon.

Promoted by Teach Rex

Feast of Fiddles £26.50

Saturday 19 April, 8pm

Feast of Fiddles are a band of friends who perform with passion and a liberal dose of fun. This year fiddlers Garry Blakeley (Band of Two), Ian Cutler (Bully Wee), Marion Fleetwood (Trad Arr, Sandy Denny Project), Tom Leary (Joe Brown), Brian McNeill (Battlefield Band) and Simon Swarbrick (Merry Hell) bring a large range of fiddle-playing styles to the rock back-line, all held together by legendary drummer Dave Mattacks.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Demon Barbers

19 Jul

The Stables... available for hire!

The Stables offers 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.

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

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

19

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

APRIL

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

• Arts Council England • Cavatina Trust • Dame Cleo Laine • Dentons • FCC Communities Foundation

• Garfield Weston • MK Community Foundation • PMC • The Limb Family Endowment Fund • The Wavendon Foundation

Newton Faulkner: Feels Like Home Tour 3 Tuesday 22 April, 8pm £33.50,

pre-show meet-and greet package £84.50,

guitar workshop package £154.50 Newton Faulkner is taking this moment to record his next collection of songs. In the past he’s often found himself in his home studio working away solo, but not for this next record. The next phase for Newton is full of collaboration – experiencing these songs come to life on stage is going to be nothing short of joyous.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jon Gomm

17 May

Sax Appeal Wednesday 23 April, 8pm

£22

Sax Appeal, the award-winning band formed and led by saxophonist Derek Nash, are on their way to celebrating 50 years of performances. The line-up also features leading UK saxophonists Gary Plumley, Bob McKay, Vasilis Xenopoulos and Matt Wates alongside a world-class rhythm section of Phil Scragg (bass), Mike Bradley (drums) and Graham Harvey (keys).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: YolanDa Brown 9 May

16+

Aurie Styla: Aurator Tour Thursday 24 April, 8pm

£16.50

After a year of performing worldwide, award-winning comedian Aurie Styla is back on tour with his biggest one to date. Join him as he talks about this wild world and his journey to make sense of it in the Aurator! As seen on Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITVX), Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Don’t Hate The Playaz (ITV), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and Mo Gilligan’s Black, British & Funny (Channel 4).

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Babatunde Aleshe 26 Sep

20

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Returns only

14+

Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist £20

Friday 25 April, 8pm

Last remaining tickets 16+

Scott Bennett: Stuff £20.50

Saturday 26 April, 8pm

As a society we love stuff, it’s a statement about who we are and who we want to be. But apparently, this message is at odds with the looming environmental crisis. We’re now struggling to balance these worlds, to focus on the things that bring us real connections and nourish the soul. Award-winning comedian and award-winning product designer Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible any more?

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Alfie Moore 27 Jun

APRIL

With the third millennium almost 2.5% complete, Andy Zaltzman, one of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. In the biggest stand-up tour of his career to date, Andy will attempt to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where? and above all Why?.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Watson 12 Oct

16+

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome Sunday 27 April, 8pm

£30.50

The star of BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers, BBC One’s The Impressions Show and Channel 4’s Partygate takes his new show on the road following a sold-out and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival. Join Jon for an evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics and beyond in his trademark style.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Richard Digance 18 Sep

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

21

Returns only

Monday 28 April, 8pm £44.50, £64.50, £104.50 (includes pre-show meet-and-greet)

APR / MAY JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Francis Rossi’s Songs from the Status Quo Songbook Francis Rossi is extending his UK tour with 30 new dates.

These shows feature songs that he hasn’t played before in this stripped-back format and offer tales about making more than 100 appearances on Top Of The Pops, why the band went on first at Live Aid and misadventures across the world.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Francis Rossi 28 Oct

turn up the volume!

Turn Up The Volume! is The Stables’ monthly podcast. Each month we’ll bring you lively conversations with upcoming Stables artists and bands, exclusive looks behind the scenes, along with news and updates on what’s coming up.

Visit stables.org to take a listen to the latest episode.

China Crisis: Celebrating 40 Years of Flaunt The Imperfection £33.50

Thursday 1 May, 8pm

China Crisis celebrate the ruby anniversary of their watershed classic and perpetual fan-favourite 1985 release, Flaunt The Imperfection. Featuring hits including Black Man Ray and King In A Catholic Style, and produced by legendary Steely Dan founder Walter Becker, Flaunt The Imperfection has been called everything from “soaring sophistipop” to “wistful and yearning”.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Roachford

16+

26 Jul

Kate Butch: Wuthering Shites Friday 2 May, 8pm

£19.50, pre-show meet-and-greet package £30.50

Fresh from the runway success of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, comedy crossdresser Kate Butch has written a jukebox musical based on the songs of Kate Bush (kind of like if Mamma Mia! had a nervous breakdown). Join Kate as she runs up that hill, with stand-up comedy, live vocals, lip sync extravaganzas and more cloudbusting than you can shake a stick at.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: An Evening Without Kate Bush 18 Jun

22

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

The Enid £27.50

Saturday 3 May, 8pm

The Simon & Garfunkel Story £34.50

Sunday 4 May, 4pm & 8pm

Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in more than 50 countries worldwide. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel, blended seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Promoted by Operation Seraphim Ltd

MAY

The Enid have chosen The Stables for their only concert of 2025, featuring complete performances of the band’s seminal debut albums In The Region Of The Summer Stars and Aerie Faerie Nonsense, performed by what many are saying is the band’s best line-up since the 1970s. The Enid have created a school of intelligent, powerful and romantic music, free from the constraints of template rock/pop.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: All or Nothing Experience Concert Show 4 Jun

gift ideas Gift Vouchers – treat someone to a great night of entertainment.

For more information contact box office on 01908 280800 Footpath of Fame – your chosen name or text or email engraved onto a brick and placed amongst many celebrities in our exclusive Footpath. development@stables.org

Friends Membership – Why not give a loved one Friends membership as a gift? They’ll be able Your support helps us to continue to enjoy a range of benefits designed to make providing music and music-making their visits to The Stables even more rewarding. opportunities for children and adults alike.

Jacqui Dankworth

with the Carducci String Quartet £38.50

Thursday 8 May, 8pm

Join Jacqui Dankworth and her world-class trio, plus special guests the Carducci String Quartet, for a night of spectacular music to celebrate the release of her stunning new album, Windmills. Known primarily as a jazz singer, Jacqui’s unique musical palette also draws on folk, soul, classical and blues.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Joanna Eden

13 Apr

emailemail boxoffice@stables.org stables@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

23

YolanDa Brown: Bob Marley Songbook Friday 9 May, 8pm

£27.50

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MAY

In celebration of what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, renowned saxophonist YolanDa Brown unveils a monumental tribute show. This ambitious project reimagines Marley’s iconic songs, infusing them with YolanDa’s delicious blend of jazz, reggae and soul. The show takes you on a journey through Marley’s legacy, exploring the depth of his musicality and the enduring impact of his message on love, peace and unity.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Sax Appeal 23 Apr

Voice of The Heart: Tribute to The Carpenters Saturday 10 May, 8pm

£26

It is now just over 40 years since the legendary Karen Carpenter passed away, leaving behind an amazing catalogue of hit songs and golden memories. This stunning show celebrates the music of The Carpenters – an evening guaranteed to lead everyone through a magical memory.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: Tribute to Neil Diamond 31 Aug

Martin Simpson: Skydancers Sunday 11 May, 8pm

£20

Martin Simpson is one of England’s most revered folk performers and widely acknowledged as one of the world’s finest acoustic and slide guitar players. Martin’s interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling and his remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving.

Martin’s latest solo album, Skydancers, was released last year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Steeleye Span 14 May

gift ideas Gift Vouchers – treat someone to a great night of entertainment.

For more information contact box office on 01908 280800 Footpath of Fame – your chosen name or text or email engraved onto a brick and placed amongst many celebrities in our exclusive Footpath. development@stables.org

Friends Membership – Why not give a loved one Friends membership as a gift? They’ll be able Your support helps us to continue to enjoy a range of benefits designed to make providing music and music-making their visits to The Stables even more rewarding. opportunities for children and adults alike.

24

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Matthew Barley: Light Stories

with video design by YeastCulture and on-screen dance by Mavin Khoo Tuesday 13 May, 8pm

£16.50 & £13.50, under18s £6

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

Of his latest project, he says: “Light Stories was born from a wish to tell a personal story in sound and image: the tale of a near-tragic event in my teenage years. I had been wanting to compose for many years and this presented itself as an ideal vehicle for this new aspect of being a musician. The music is almost all for multi-tracked cellos, but there are also synthesiser sounds, percussion, keyboards and a collection of Brazilian birdcall pipes.”

MAY

Cellist Matthew Barley has enjoyed a unique international career full of improvisation, new music, cutting-edge computer technology, collaboration with jazz and Indian musicians, education and arranging – but always with cello playing at the heart.

This performance will be followed by a free, post-concert discussion.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ensemble 360 with Jasdeep Singh Degun 7 Oct

Steeleye Span £38

Wednesday 14 May, 8pm

Together now for 56 years, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. The band’s latest album, The Green Man Collection, brings together tracks from their recent releases with new versions of three classics, a cover of Elvis Costello’s Shipbuilding and the title track, a previously lost Bob Johnson song from the 1980s.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Martin Simpson 11 May

16+

Kane Brown: Don’t Listen To Me Thursday 15 May, 8pm

£19, VIP meet-and-greet £35

An evening of fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game and has performed around the world. He opened for Guz Khan on his UK tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4) and She’s The One (Amazon), and heard on his hit podcast, Rated 18.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Stephen K Amos 8 Nov

emailemail boxoffice@stables.org stables@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

25

Gryphon £24.50

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MAY

Friday 16 May, 8pm

Following the release of their live album Gryphon Live – A Sonic Tonic, Gryphon are back on the road with their unique blend of progressive rock, folk, classical and early music. Legendary and unpredictable, Gryphon are the antidote to genres. Original members Graeme Taylor, Brian Gulland and Dave Oberlé combine with Andy Findon, Rob Levy and Clare Taylor to produce the latest incarnation of Gryphon’s unrivalled mix and humour.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Focus 28 Apr 2026

The Manfreds: Keeping It Live In 2025 £31

Saturday 17 May, 8pm

Featuring original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, The Manfreds are excited to be returning to some of their favourite, more intimate venues in 2025. One of the finest and most respected bands from the 1960s, their numerous hits were not just ‘pop’ songs, many were R&B-based with an undercurrent of jazz – an unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Tony Christie 3 Apr

Gershwin Piano Trio £16.50

Sunday 18 May, 11.30am

Gabriel Latchin, a leading figure on the British jazz scene, brings together his trio to showcase bebop at its finest.

Praised by The Guardian’s Dave Gelly as “the best straightahead jazz pianist to appear in the past few years”, Gabriel will perform music from his new Gershwin record, including Summertime, I Got Rhythm and The Man I Love.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: James Allsopp Quartet

16 Mar

Beth Malcolm: Folkmosis £22.50

Sunday 18 May, 8pm

Folkmosis is singer-songwriter Beth Malcolm’s second album – one that has been writing itself since before Beth could speak.

Beth spent much of her childhood in a house filled with singing, soaking up old Scots songs like a wee folky sponge. Folkmosis unfolds over three acts embracing traditional and new songs, film and the spoken word, the story bending and twisting against a shifting soundscape.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Siobhan Miller

26

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

2 May

16+

Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop (tour preview) £20

Monday 19 May, 8pm

The Belgrave House Band: Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black £25

Tuesday 20 May, 8pm

The Belgrave House Band are back to take on the multi-awardwinning, chart-topping, doo-wopping, soul, reggae and jazz masterpiece Back To Black, Amy Winehouse’s second and best-known album. The band’s line-up is decorated with a full horn section, backing vocalists and a rhythm section drawn from Leeds’ burgeoning jazz scene.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: RaRa

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Shaparak Khorsandi 20 Mar

MAY

Join comedian Sara Pascoe as she warms up ahead of her major new UK tour! Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them?

This show is that thought. In that it doesn’t make much sense and is a bit weird on reflection.

5 Jul

Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells £27.50

Wednesday 21 May, 8pm

A Couple of Swells is the inspired pairing of two unique entertainers – Liza Pulman, songstress and one-third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, and virtuoso pianist, songwriter and singer Joe Stilgoe.

Prepare to be swept away by Joe’s dazzling piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals as they dig into the true classics and hidden gems of Irving Berlin, Paul McCartney and Leonard Bernstein, mixed with a few new songs specially written for the show.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Looking For Me Friend

14 Mar

Rhinestone Cowboy: The Glen Campbell Story £31.50

Thursday 22 May, 8pm

Tracing his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame and the tumultuous rollercoaster ride in between, and backed by a band of top-tier musicians, this show delivers an immersive experience that celebrates the highs and lows of Glen Campbell’s life.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Johnny Cash Roadshow 12 Apr

emailemail boxoffice@stables.org stables@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

27

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

MAY

Last remaining tickets

G2 Genesis Friday 23 & Saturday 24 May, 8pm £33: book for both performances in the same transaction and save £4 G2 are currently celebrating their 25th year of playing classic 1970s Genesis. For their Stables gigs the band are performing two different sets. Friday’s show is an idealised fantasy based on Genesis’s Selling England By The Pound 1974 tour. The Saturday show is a recreation of the band’s And Then There Were Three tour performance at Palais des Sports in Paris in 1978.

Promoted by G2 Genesis

The Young’uns 20 Sunday 25 May, 8pm

£26

Much-loved folk trio The Young’uns celebrate 20 years of singing together. Two decades on from meeting in a pub in Stockton-OnTees, they’ve carried their name around the world, from Sydney to Vancouver, from Radio Tees to Radio 4, won three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and gained a reputation for singing life-affirming songs of social conscience in immaculate three-part harmony.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Wakefire – A Midsummer Celebration 24 Jun

Curtis Stigers Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 May, 8pm

£38.50

For the past 30 years, singer, songwriter, saxophonist and guitarist Curtis Stigers has been making records that confound those who try to categorize his music or put him in a box. Curtis’s success as a songwriter has included co-writing with the likes of Carole King and Beth Nielsen Chapman, and his songwriting talent also led to an Emmy nomination for co-writing and singing the theme song to the wildly successful TV series Sons Of Anarchy.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Stella Cole 3 Jul

Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman Wednesday 28 May, 8pm

£20

Mark Radcliffe and David Boardman are singing, songwriting, strumming and swigging buddies from the Badlands of the Cheshire Plain. Mark has been on BBC national radio since the early 1990s while guitarist David cut his teeth on the rock circuit with Darktown Jubilee. Their act is one of classic simplicity: two voices, two guitars, some great original songs, the odd carefully chosen cover and the occasional rambling anecdote.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Young’uns 25 May

28

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Laurence Jones £20.50

Thursday 29 May, 8pm

Returns only

ABC: An Intimate Evening with Martin Fry Friday 30 May, 8pm £35.50, VIP £54.50,

Super VIP £87 (includes pre-show meet-and-greet) From Poison Arrow to The Look Of Love, and from Be Near Me to When Smokey Sings, ABC were the band that redefined glamour and cool. Frontman Martin Fry harked back to a golden era of luxe, as though Cole Porter had been reimagined among the narrow streets of Sheffield. Tonight, Martin brings an evening of stripped-back music and intimate conversation to The Stables.

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Chantel McGregor and Blue Nation 8 Jun

MAY

UK Blues Hall of Fame artist Laurence Jones is back on tour and has joined forces with the Music Venues Trust and its grassroots venue members for his longest-ever run of UK dates.

Music Radar voted Laurence one of the world’s Top 10 bluesrock guitarists and he’s shared stages with legends including Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Jeff Beck and Status Quo.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: China Crisis 1 May

Alina Orchestra: Baroque Splendour £31.50 & £25.50, under-16s £11

Saturday 31 May, 7.30pm Corelli

Concerto grosso in D major, op.6, no.4

Vivaldi Paganini

The Four Seasons Caprice for solo violin no.20 in D major

Albinoni

Sonata a 5 in C, op.2, no.3

Paganini

Caprice for solo violin no.13 in B-flat major

Director/soloist

Dominic Moore

The final concert of Alina Orchestra’s 2024/25 season is centred around Vivaldi’s most popular work The Four Seasons.

In a unique presentation of this ever-popular masterpeice, the four concertos, each of which famously represents a different season, will be interspersed with vibrant compositions by other celebrated Italian composers, enabling each season to be heard as a distinct work in its own right.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Ensemble 360 4 Mar

emailemail boxoffice@stables.org stables@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

29

Peter White £21

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

JUNE

Sunday 1 June, 8pm

Peter White grew up in the English countryside, dreaming that one day he would travel the world playing music. That dream came true when he joined singer-songwriter-folkie Al Stewart’s band in 1975 playing piano and guitar. Since then, he has toured the world playing his own unique style of music, but never forgetting to return to England to charm audiences and visit his old stomping grounds!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Shakatak 12 Sep

become a friend

Join online at stables.org/support_us/friends or call Enjoy some great benefits including priority booking, discounted 01908 280800 for further information 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.

Toby Lee Tuesday 3 June, 8pm

£20.50

Toby Lee is an award-winning guitarist and vocalist whose talent has been widely recognized despite his young age. With a remarkable collection of awards and accolades, his music exudes a level of class and sophistication that belies his years.

With a number-one record on the UK Blues Chart already under his belt, Toby released his first album of original compositions, House On Fire, in October last year.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Laurence Jones 29 May

All Or Nothing Experience Concert Show Wednesday 4 June, 8pm

£31

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, soulful 1960s hits by the era’s best-loved artists.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Kast Off Kinks 22 Mar

30

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

The Fizz £38.50

Thursday 5 June, 8pm

16+

Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle £19.50

Friday 6 June, 8pm

The Juggle is the new tour from multi-award-winning comedian Suzi Ruffell. It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless, a success but not a sell-out. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group!

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Nik Kershaw 28 Sep

JUNE

Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston – two iconic names in Eurovision history – were once members of the Eurovision-winning group Bucks Fizz, now known as The Fizz. Mike Nolan has recently retired but Cheryl and Jay have been joined by Matthew Pateman and Nikk Mager. With a string of more than 20 hits under their belts, The Fizz continue to astound audiences with their vocal prowess and superb entertainment value.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kate Butch 2 May

Quo Connection £22

Saturday 7 June, 8pm

Mick Hughes, Rick Chase, Pete Mace and Russ Chadd – all former members of John Coghlan’s Quo – have reformed as Quo Connection to begin the next chapter carrying on the legacy of Status Quo and John Coghlan. Playing many of the band’s greatest hits plus some incredible album tracks, Quo Connection are looking forward to bringing their high-octane show to The Stables.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Francis Rossi 28 Oct

Chantel McGregor and Blue Nation Sunday 8 June, 8pm

£25

An unmissable double-bill! Known for her dynamic live performances, Chantel McGregor continues to captivate audiences with her innovative approach to progressive, heavy blues-rock. Birmingham-based Blue Nation are a powerhouse three-piece band performing a seismic fusion of riff-based melodic blues rock, crafted from a reservoir of iconic influences including the likes of The Beatles, Cream and Led Zeppelin.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Elles Bailey 4 Apr

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

31

Lee Mead: The Best Of Me Tuesday 10 June, 8pm

JUNE JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

£32.50

Award-winning West End leading man Lee Mead is back!

Featuring his outstanding live band and stunning musical arrangements, Lee will be celebrating his career with an evening of unforgettable music from the world of musical theatre, contemporary hits and tracks from his new EP. LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kerry Ellis 4 Oct

16+

George Lewis: The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do Wednesday 11 June, 8pm

£18.50

Stand-up comedian George Lewis has racked up millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life, like watching a David Beckham documentary or the excruciating experience of doing do a jigsaw with your kid. Now he’s bringing his new stand-up show to the stage. It won’t just be about parenting though, because he has done loads this year. He’s bought a new hoover, watched some more stuff on Netflix… loads.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Scott Bennett 26 Apr

Aynsley Lister Thursday 12 June, 8pm

£23.50

Featured in Total Guitar’s 2024 Greatest Blues Guitarists Of All Time readers poll, Aynsley Lister is considered by many to be one of the most exciting contemporary blues guitarists around today. Aynsley’s passion for music crosses genres, effortlessly combining blues, soul, Americana, rock and sometimes even pop elements. Expect an evening of fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue mixed with newer material.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: King King 8 Oct

The History of Rock Friday 13 June, 8pm

£32

This high-energy tribute show takes audiences on a thrilling ride through the history of rock – and this time, the spotlight is turned on Led Zeppelin, as they headline the ultimate rock concert line-up. Experience this iconic music brought back to life by an exceptional band consisting of some of the world’s finest musicians and performers.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Story of Guitar Heroes 14 Mar

32

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Peggy Seeger: Final Farewell Tour £24

Saturday 14 June, 8pm

LP Swing Orchestra

with Matt Ford & Nicola Emmanuelle £32

Sunday 15 June, 8pm

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

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Reg Meuross Quartet 23 Mar

JUNE

Peggy Seeger, the grande dame of American and British folk music, embarks on her final concert tour alongside her sons, Neill and Calum MacColl, in celebration of her 90th birthday.

Peggy has been performing for more than 75 years and will showcase some of her best-loved songs from across her extraordinary career, as well as new material from her final album.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Syd Lawrence Orchestra 3 Nov

10+

An Evening Without Kate Bush £25

Wednesday 18 June, 8pm

Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights! She’s not there – but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Sarah-Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay glorious homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kate Butch 2 May

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: 40th Anniversary Concert on a white-knuckle shopping-trolley dash through every kind of musical genre.

Thursday 19 June, 8pm

£44

Formed as the antidote to mindless pop, what is the secret of UOGB’s longevity? Perhaps it’s the menagerie of voices in a collision of post-punk performance and toe-tapping classics. Or the fact that there are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, guitars or banjos, no pitch shifters or electronic trickery. Come and celebrate the 40th anniversary of this much-loved institution LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Graffiti Classics 21 Mar

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

33

Roy Orbison & the Travelling Wilburys Experience £29

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

JUNE

Friday 20 June, 8pm

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Hello Again: Tribute to Neil Diamond 31 Aug

Northern Soul Live

featuring Stefan Taylor with special guest Lorraine Silver £32

Saturday 21 June, 8pm

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

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Real Thing 1 Nov

Are You Experienced?: Tribute to Jimi Hendrix Sunday 22 June, 8pm

£22.50

Are You Experienced? are now in their 29th year together and in that time have firmly established themselves as Europe’s leading Hendrix tribute. The band continue to enjoy bringing Jimi’s music to a new and eager audience as well as to those who remember him the first time around.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Classic Clapton Unplugged 27 Sep

Wakefire: A Midsummer Celebration Tuesday 24 June, 8pm

£25

Having bewitched audiences with their much-loved wintertime show, two of the most engaging and inventive acts on the English folk scene – Lady Maisery and duo Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith – return with their next hotly anticipated alchemic collaboration: a multi-layered, surprising and essential incantation to long summer days and effervescent nights.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Young’uns 25 May

34

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

16+

Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 June, 8pm

£25.50

16+

Alfie Moore: A Face For Radio £22.50

Friday 27 June, 8pm

Thirty years of shift work, initially in the Sheffield steelworks and then as a copper on the beat, have left Alfie Moore with ‘a face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by a settlement of squatters with little regard to property maintenance and repair. In his 40s, a surprising career shift turned middleaged Alfie from street cop to BBC radio star. But when TV fame beckoned, could he grasp it, or was he past it?

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kate Butch 2 May

JUNE

Mums’ Night Out! Helen and Ellie are back with a new comedy show that will have you laughing till you wee. From menopause to mansplaining, teenagers to Tinder, no subject is safe.

Featuring brand new songs, sketches, stand-up and, of course, sparkly new catsuits. Bring your mates, bring your mum, bring your partner if they’re feeling brave enough... it’s a big Scummy party!

21 May

Grimethorpe Colliery Band £31

Saturday 28 June, 7.30pm

The world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band perform a programme of classic brass band repertoire and music from the film Brassed Off, alongside newer works and some entertaining solos. The band have been national and British Open champions many times.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Brighouse & Rastrick Band 8 Nov

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

35

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

STAGE 2

stage 2 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 100 concerts each year of all shapes and sizes – folk, rock, blues and much more besides – along with a good smattering of comedy and spoken word.

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

36

Stick In The Wheel

Louise Parker Band

The Twangtown Paramours

Fri 28 Mar

Tues 15 Apr

Wed 14 May

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Wise Woman Friday 7 March, 8.45pm

£16.50

STAGE 2

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Young’uns 25 May

MARCH

Blending ancient folk traditions with a bold contemporary flair, Wise Woman perform a heady collision of lush folk harmonies, cinematic strings and 90s girl power. With a repertoire spanning traditional ballads and original compositions on subjects as diverse as fenland witches and drag artists, their powerful music and captivating storytelling transports audiences through a unique and transformative musical experience.

John Coghlan’s Quo Reimagined Saturday 8 March, 8.45pm

£22.50

Former Status Quo drummer John Coghlan, Ben Holder, Alex Steele and Paul Jefferies re-imagine Quo’s greatest hits. Paul and Alex wanted to create a totally different sound for their Quo Reimagined project and their first thought was to go acoustic.

They instantly decided on world-class violinist Ben to create a sound quite different to the electric instruments used by Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Francis Rossi 28 Oct

Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood Friday 14 March, 8.45pm

£22.50

Featuring the star of BBC One’s All Together Now, Paulus ‘The Cabaret’ Geek, this is an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria Wood’s best-loved songs, including the iconic Ballad Of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It) and the classic It Would Never Have Worked.

In telling Victoria’s story, Paulus unfolds his own – a relatable tale of a 1970s childhood – and what it really means to find your tribe.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Pulman & Stilgoe 21 May

Navaro Saturday 15 March, 8.45pm

£13.50

Navaro are Pete White, Steve Austin and Beth Navaro. The three singer-songwriters met in the late 2000s at a Hertfordshire open mic event. They have opened for Fairport Convention and other major roots acts and also performed their own headlining events.

Expect an evening of folk and country-tinged original songs from all four of their albums, together with stories and a unique vocal blend joined in harmony.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Elles Bailey 4 Apr

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

37

Smith & Brewer + The 4 Of Us £22.50

Sunday 16 March, 8.45pm

STAGE 2

MARCH

Since meeting at an event organised by Joan Armatrading in 2015, Smith & Brewer have played 100s of shows together all over the UK and also toured with 10cc, Ralph McTell, Jools Holland and Fairport Convention. Blending contemporary roots with rock, The 4 Of Us are one of Ireland’s most acclaimed bands, having been a steadfast part of the country’s musical history for more than 30 years.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Graham Gouldman 17 Mar

16+

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50 in advance, £14.50 on the door

Wednesday 19 March, 8.45pm

Compere Andrew Bird introduces Alan Francis and Dee Allum.

(Line-up is subject to change.)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Matt Richardson

11 Oct

Honey & The Bear £16.50

Saturday 22 March, 8.45pm

Honey & The Bear are UK folk and roots multi-instrumentalists Lucy and Jon Hart. Formed in 2014, the duo have gone from strength to strength, releasing three critically acclaimed albums and gathering an enthusiastic following of loyal fans.

Shortlisted for Fatea’s Band/Duo of the Year in 2023, their live performances are full of variation, from emotive and dramatic fullbodied ballads to rip-roaring tales of adventure on the seas!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kathyrn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

29 Mar

Iago Banet £16.50

Tuesday 25 March, 8.45pm

Described as “a master of the guitar” by Sean Rafferty on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, as “nothing short of phenomenal” in a recent review, and as a “highly recommended artist” by Celtic Connections, Iago Banet creates stories without words, enthralling audiences as he does so.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Preston Reed

38

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

6 Sep

Stick In The Wheel £20.50

Friday 28 March, 8.45pm

STAGE 2

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman 28 May

MAR / APR

Stick In The Wheel’s work is rooted in traditional music and song, informed by the modern electronic music that grew out of their hybrid East London heritage. Nicola Kearey and Ian Carter make full-force reworkings of centuries-old work songs, speaking to contemporary issues of class, using multi-layered sonic palettes to deeply reflect hidden histories, told with a razor-sharp authenticity.

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman £22.50

Saturday 29 March, 8.45pm

For more than 25 years, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal. From their early days in folk supergroup Equation through to their new album, Almost A Sunset, this multi-award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Cara Dillon 26 Mar

Returns only

12+

Max Fulham (Work In Progress) £13.50

Friday 4 April, 8.45pm

Max Fulham is coming to The Stables with an evening of neverbefore-seen nonsense. Having amassed millions of online views with his signature brand of stand-up, Max is catapulting ventriloquism into the 21st century and is not to be missed!

Expect talking ham, malfunctioning self-service checkouts and an inner monologue that just can’t be kept inside any more…

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Max Fulham 11 Jul

Katey Brooks £16.50

Saturday 5 April, 8.45pm

Growing up inside a cult, Katey Brooks found refuge in song.

A rebellious artist who resists formula, the “powerful” (Evening Standard) award-winning singer, songwriter and producer brings a seamless blend of Americana, folk and pop to listeners’ ears, earning her radio play on BBC Radios 1 and 2, 6 Music, Canada’s CBC, Jazz FM and Amazing Radio among many others.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jenny Colquitt

21 Jun

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

39

14+

Luke Wright: Joy £16.50

Wednesday 9 April, 8.45pm

STAGE 2

APRIL

Following the smash-hit success of his Silver Jubilee show, Luke Wright returns with a new set of poems that get to grips with the idea of joy. Is it possible, as a 42-year-old, to feel pure unbridled happiness, and, if so, what does it look like? With a mix of the comic and the wistful, Joy takes in consumerism, boozing, cancer scares, abseiling vicars and the joy of language itself. We might have to go down to come up, but we’ll get there in the end.

Dave Kelly Band £25

Thursday 10 April, 2.30pm

The Dave Kelly Band have continued with various line-ups for more than 40 years. For their latest visit to The Stables, the band will play some blues, but Dave has always seen his own band as an opportunity to perform other styles of music that he has always loved – rock, country, soul and some standards and, of course, his own compositions outside of the blues genre.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Manfreds 17 May

Thomas Heppell Band £14.50

Friday 11 April, 8.45pm

Join Thomas Heppell as he crafts the next chapter in UK blues.

With a style encapsulating the heart of blues, the energy of rock’n’roll and the sophistication of jazz, Thomas can command a solo stage or drive the rhythm in his dynamic three-piece ensemble. His musical journey has seen him share the limelight with established acts such as Albert Lee, Dan Patlanksy, Chicken Shack, Catfish, Brave Rival and The Cinelli Brothers.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Dave Kelly Band

Last remaining tickets 16+

10 Apr

Andrew Bird: Ticklish Mind Saturday 12 April, 8.45pm

£14.50

When asking his nine-year-old son if he is ticklish, he replied “only my mind”. Which is a great way to describe a sense of humour. And Lord knows we all need a good tickle in the mind now and then, so join comedian Andrew Bird as he finds the funny in everything from sportswashing to spa hotels.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

40

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

21 May

Louise Parker Band £11

Tuesday 15 April, 8.45pm

16+

21 Jun

STAGE 2

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Jenny Colquitt

APRIL

Louise Parker is a modern country/pop singer-songwriter from Chelmsford. With a passion for storytelling through music, Louise has released two EPs and a full-length album titled Living In Silver Linings. With experiences living in both Nashville and Austin, she has truly immersed herself in the heart of the country music scene, chasing the dream and sharing an authentic sound that resonates with audiences everywhere.

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50 in advance, £14.50 on the door

Wednesday 16 April, 8.45pm

Compere Karen Bayley introduces Matt Price and Juliet Meyers.

(Line-up is subject to change.)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Partick Monahan

30 May

Kimmie Rhodes £20

Friday 25 April, 8.45pm

The Austin Chronicle calls Kimmie Rhodes a “prolific figure in Texas music”. The Austin-based singer-songwriter has released 16 solo albums, written and produced three musical plays and published a novella/cookbook and a memoir. She blends these unique skills and captivates audiences on stages around the world. Kimmie was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame for her “outstanding contributions in the field of art music and entertainment” in 2023.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: The Twangtown Paramours

14 May

Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Saturday 26 April, 8.45pm

£13.50

An evening of vibrant, funky rocking blues featuring Hammond organ, drums, guitar, and vocals. Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess. Expect an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves as the band mix old-school tradition with contemporary verve and sophistication.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Elles Bailey 4 Apr

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

41

Edwina Hayes

STAGE 2

APR / MAY

Sunday 27 April, 3pm & 8.45pm

£16.50

One of the UK’s finest female singer-songwriters, Edwina Hayes brings together English folk, Americana and the rich northern singer-songwriter tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own. Edwina has toured with such notable performers as Jools Holland, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith and Loudon Wainwright III to name just a few.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Alex Hart

4 Sep

Siobhan Miller £20

Friday 2 May, 8.45pm

One of Scotland’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller embarks on an intimate trio tour joined by two of Scotland’s finest musicians, Innes White on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle. This acoustic setting is the perfect opportunity to hear Siobhan’s richly celebrated Scottish folk songs up close and personal. Her latest album, Bloom, has been shortlisted for BBC Alba STMA Album of the Year LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kim Carnie

27 Sep

Set Two: Gala Concert in aid of Willen Hospice £13.50

Saturday 3 May, 8.45pm

Clare and Alan joined forces to form Set Two in 2023 and enjoy performing a mixture of covers, mainly focusing on country-rock fusion with some folk and popular music references. With their distinctive style of acoustic guitar and strong harmonic vocals, they are gaining a loyal following in the Milton Keynes and Woburn Sands areas.

Promoted by Set Two

The Twangtown Paramours £16.50

Wednesday 14 May, 8.45pm

The Twangtown Paramours are an award-winning husband and wife Americana duo from Nashville. They are three-time Kerrville Folk Festival finalists and winners of Texas’s Wildflower Contest.

Lead singer MaryBeth Zamer used to sing background vocals for Eva Cassidy while writer, producer and guitar player Mike Lewis has played upright bass for Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Kimmie Rhodes

42

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

25 Apr

Jon Gomm £21

Saturday 17 May, 8.45pm

16+

STAGE 2

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Newton Faulkner 22 Apr

MAY

Jon Gomm is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer based in Yorkshire, known for his once-seen-never-forgotten virtuoso guitar style. This involves slapping, tapping and retuning as he plays, producing a huge, multi-layered sound filled with bass, drums and near-orchestral depth and complexity from a single guitar. Jon’s live performances are intimate and powerful, but always punctured by his natural wit and self-deprecation.

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50 in advance, £14.50 on the door

Wednesday 21 May, 8.45pm

Compere Andrew Bird introduces Mark Maier and Kate Lucas.

(Line-up is subject to change.)

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Andrew Bird

12 Apr

Hannah White: Free & Single Tour Friday 23 May, 8.45pm

£16.50

From the chanson Sans Deséspor to the celtic-inspired Mother You Are to the grungy Don’t Despair, this last year has seen award-winning Hannah White release a brand new single every month, and they have been making waves along the way.

With reviews applauding her “effortless, suave pop sensibility” (Fresh on the Net), the songs have been championed by Cerys Matthews and aired nationally on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Elles Bailey 4 Apr

Keith Thompson & Patsy Gamble Saturday 24 May, 8.45pm

£13.50

Keith Thompson has been performing in the UK and Europe for more than 30 years. As well as playing blues/rock with his band, Keith has released three albums of a more acoustic nature and performed solo on many occasions. Saxophonist Patsy Gamble is a regular member of Keith’s band and has also performed and recorded with many artists, including Steve Winwood, Mick Jagger, Paul Weller and Suggs.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Dave Kelly Band 10 Apr

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

43

STAGE 2

MAY / JUN

16+

Patrick Monahan: Talkinator £16.50

Friday 30 May, 8.45pm

There’s a lot of talk about AI taking over humans. Only one man can out-talk the chat-bots and robots. Get ready for one hour of stand-up comedy written by a human, performed by a human ...

Edinburgh Fringe favourite Patrick Monahan is back on tour – his hilarious, engaging, topical and observational material makes for a fun evening out!

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Matt Richardson

11 Oct

Sam Carter £16.50

Friday 6 June, 8.45pm

Sam Carter is a BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his narrative-rich songwriting.

Sam’s music reflects a blend of traditional English folk, shapenote singing and rock. His live performances are nothing short of captivating, filled with the raw honesty, humour and skilled musicianship that underscore his standing as one of contemporary folk’s brightest talents.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Newton Faulkner 22 Apr

Lowri Evans £16.50

Wednesday 11 June, 8.45pm

Described by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris as “one of his absolute favourite artists”, Lowri Evans’ performances are capable of wide emotional power, her songs taking their musical colours from a broad palette that includes Americana, folk, country and blues. Last year Lowri joined Tom McRae on his autumn tour, performing at The Stables for the first time. She’s now making a welcome return to perform her own headline show.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Katey Brooks

5 Apr

Hannah Brine Saturday 14 June, 8.45pm

£16.50

Singer-songwriter Hannah Brine brings the gorgeous songs from her new album Blue Sky Now to The Stables. Inspired by the Great American Songbook, and with a voice and songwriting style likened to Carole King, Norah Jones and Rumer, Hannah writes and performs lush ballads and lively jazz anthems, telling tales of growth and change, of life and loss.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Curtis Stigers 26 & 27 May

44

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Jenny Colquitt £15

Saturday 21 June, 8.45pm

5 Apr

STAGE 2

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Katey Brooks

JUNE

One of RnR Magazine’s Ones to Watch for 2022 and winner of the 2021/2022 Fatea Female Artist of the Year award, emerging artist Jenny Colquitt encompasses a unique combination of Americana, indie and folk rock and pop. Jenny’s music is described as fit for film and storytelling at its finest. Her voice uniquely combines the melodic undertones of artists such as Eva Cassidy and the rawness of Alanis Morissette.

Gina Sedman Friday 27 June, 8.45pm

£15.50

Multi-award-winning Californian soul singer Gina Sedman has taken the UK by storm. With sold-out performances at venues including The Bear Club and electrifying appearances with Cong-Fusion at Pizza Express Live, Temple of Arts & Music and more, Gina is quickly becoming a must-see act. She now fronts her powerhouse UK band Monopoly, blending future soul, jazz, R’n’B, neo soul and funk into a spellbinding live experience.

LIKE THIS? TRY THIS: Shakatak 12 Sep

BAR

Beers & Lagers Our Quality range of draught beers and lagers now feature Beavertown Neck Oil, a session IPA, Cruzcampo, a Spanish lager, Appleshed cider and Side Pocket for a Toad, a cask ale from the Tring Brewery.

Drivers Drinks For the drivers in your party we offer Adnams Ghostship 0.5%, Doom Bar Zero, Guinness Zero, Old Mout Berries & Cherries, Heineken Zero and now Peroni Zero, as well as a range of soft drinks.

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

Our popular snack bar has a selection of hot and cold drinks on offer, as well as a range of soft drinks. For those with a sweet tooth we have various chocolate bars and sweet bags and, now the weather is a bit warmer, why not try a delicious ice cream from the Marshfield Farm range?

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

45

INFORMATION

also on sale Thu 3 Jul Stella Cole

Fri 11 Jul Max Fulham

JIM MARSHALL AUDITORIUM JULY Thu 3

Fri 4

Stella Cole: Showtime Rain or Shine £27.50 Americana Revue feat Ben Mills £27

46

Sun 3

Alan Fletcher Band £25

Sat 30

Solstice £25

Sun 31

Hello Again: Tribute to Neil Diamond £34

Logical Tramp £26

Sun 6

New Amen Corner: Bringing On Back The 60s £21.50

Thu 4

Mon 7

Albert Lee £31

Fri 5

Thu 10

Kossoff: The Band Plays On £24.50

Sat 6 & Ultimate Classic Sun 7 Rock Show £32.50

Fri 11

Max Fulham + support £16.50

Thu 11

Bootleg Blondie £25

Sat 12

The Christians £36.50

Fri 12 Sat 13

AUGUST

Solstice

ALL SHOWS START AT 8PM, EXCEPT WHERE STATED

Sat 5

Fri 1 & Sat 2

Sat 30 Aug

SEPTEMBER

Fleetwood Bac from £26

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush from £26 Abba Forever £35

Sun 14

Zervas & Pepper: This Flight Tonight – Songs of Joni Mitchell £27.50

Thu 18

Richard Digance £21

Sat 20

Nick Cope from £15.50

Fri 26

Babatunde Aleshe: High Expectations £21

Sat 27

Classic Clapton Unplugged £18.50

Sun 28

Nik Kershaw from £37.50

OCTOBER Thu 2

Shakatak £27.50

Barbara Dickson & Nick Holland £36

Sat 4

Paul Zerdin: Jaw Drop £25

Kerry Ellis: Queen of the West End from £33.50

Sun 5

Marty Wilde & the Wildcats £35.50

INFORMATION

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Friday 14 February.

Prior to this date Stables Friends have priority.

Fri 12 Sep

Sun 28 Sep

Thu 2 Oct

Shakatak

Nik Kershaw

Barbara Dickson

Fri 7

Calling Planet Earth £33.50

Fri 28

Declan O’Rourke £33

Sat 8

Brighouse & Rastrick Band £26

Sun 30

Duke Special £27.50

Wed 8

King King £29.50

Thu 9

Gary & Robbie Live in Concert Tribute £33.50

Sat 11

Nearly Dan £25.50

Sun 12

Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us £25

Tues 14 & Wishbone Ash Wed 15 from £35.50 Sun 26

Tue 28

Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience £29.50 Francis Rossi's Songs From the Status Quo Songbook from £44.50

NOVEMBER Sat 1

The Real Thing £41

Sun 2

Syd Lawrence Orchestra £26.50

Sat 8

Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking £24.50

Thu 13

Sound of Springsteen £35

Fri 14

Bye Bye Baby: Tribute to Frankie Valli £34.50

Sun 16

Nell Bryden £27.50

Thu 20

Best of Queen £38.50

Sat 22

Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It £22.50

DECEMBER Sat 6

No Jacket Required £25

Wed 10 James B Partridge: The Big Christmas Assembly from £30

JANUARY 2026 Sat 24

Dire Streets £33

Sat 31

Ria Lina: Riabellion £22.50

FEBRUARY 2026 Thu 12

Pete Firman: Tricks & Giggles £22.50

Wed 26 Talon: Best of & Thu 27 The Eagles £30

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

47

INFORMATION

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Friday 14 February.

Prior to this date Stables Friends have priority.

Sat 4 Oct Kerry Ellis

STAGE 2

King King

RaRa £22.50

SEPTEMBER Thu 4

Alex Hart £14.50

Sat 6

Preston Reed £16.50

Sat 27

Kim Carnie £20.50

OCTOBER Sat 4

Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends £16.50

Thu 9

Dom Pipkin £18.50

Sat 11

Matt Richardson: Brash £19

Sun 12 David Ford £20.50

48

Wed 15 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50 Fri 31

The Blackheart Orchestra £22.50

NOVEMBER Wed 19 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50 Sat 22

Sun 12 Oct Mark Watson

SUNDAY SESSIONS IN THE MANCINI FORUM

ALL SHOWS START AT 8.45PM , EXCEPT WHERE STATED

JULY Sat 5

Wed 8 Oct

Carrie Martin £14.50

DECEMBER Wed 10 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club £12.50

NOVEMBER Sun 16 Paul Higgs: Cool School £16.50

11.30AM

LEARN & TAKE PART

learn and take part workshops and courses APRIL

Date

Time

Suitability

Fee

Intro to Music Recording & Production Part 1

Sun 13

10am-4pm

Adult/15+

£52

Harmonica Beginners Part 1

Sat 19

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 1

Sat 26

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Cajon Beginners

Sun 27

10am-12.30pm

Adult/15+

£30

MAY

Date

Time

Suitability

Fee

Ukulele Beginners Part 1

Sun 4

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Melodeon Beginners Part 1

Sat 10

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£42

9.30am-12.30pm Adult/16+ OR 1pm-4pm

£32

Saxophone from Scratch

Sat 17

Harmonica Beginners Part 2

Sat 17

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Intro to Music Recording & Production Part 2

Sat 24

10am-4pm

Adult/15+

£52

Intro to Jazz Improvisation

Sun 25

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Singing Lead Vocals & Microphone Technique

Sun 25

1.30pm-5pm

Adult/15+

£30

Intro to Live Sound Engineering

Sat 31

10am-4pm

Adult/15+

£45

JUNE

Date

Time

Suitability

Fee

Ukulele Beginners Part 2

Sun 1

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 2

Sat 7

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Ukulele Part 3

Sat 28

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£38

Melodeon Beginners Part 2

Sat 28

10am-3pm

Adult/15+

£42

Time

Suitability

Fee

COURSES

Date

Saxophone Improving Beginners

Sats 5 Apr, 3 & 31 May, 5 Jul OR Sats 12 Apr, 10 May, 14 Jun, 12 Jul

9.30am-12.30pm

Adult/16+

£78

Saxophone Study Group

Sats 5 Apr, 3 & 31 May, 5 Jul OR Sats 12 Apr, 10 May, 14 Jun, 12 Jul

1pm-4pm

Adult/16+

£78

Saxophone Beginners Course

Sats 26 Apr, 24 May, 21 Jun, 12 Jul

9.30am-12.30pm

Adult/16+

£78

Latin Percussion for Beginners

Suns 27 Apr, 25 May, 8 Jun

1.30pm-4.30pm

Adult/16+

£58

The Rock Experience

Suns 8, 15, 22, 29 Jun, 6 & 13 Jul

10am-1pm; 13 Jul 2pm-11pm

Adult/16+

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

email boxoffice@stables.org

£95 students £75

box office 01908 280800

49

LEARN & TAKE PART

Saxophone Improvers Course

Adult/16+ Course

Saturdays 5 April, 3 May, 31 May & 5 July, 9.30am-12.30pm OR Saturdays 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9.30am-12.30pm (four-session course)

£78

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 for further advice before booking.

Saxophone Study Group

Adult/16+ Course

Saturdays 5 April, 3 May, 31 May & 5 July, 1pm-4pm OR Saturdays 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 1pm-4pm (four-session course)

£78

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 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.

50

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Sunday 13 April, 10am-4pm

Adult/15+ Workshop £52

This workshop offers an introduction to recording and production using music technology, looking at microphone and production techniques and recording different instruments. The workshop uses MAC computer and Logic Software in ways that apply generally across Digital Audio Workstations software including Ableton, Cubase and Sonar. We’ll 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 the skills you’ve learned. If you play an instrument, bring it along for the afternoon recording session to learn how best to record it.

(The Part 2 follow on workshop on Saturday 24 May looks in more detail into studio-based recording and production.)

Harmonica Beginners Part 1 Saturday 19 April, 10am-3pm

LEARN & TAKE PART

Introduction to Music Recording and Production Part 1

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

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.

Saxophone Beginners Course

Adult/16+ Course

Saturdays 26 April, 24 May, 21 June & 12 July, 9.30am-12.30pm (four-session course) £78 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. If you have any other recent sax playing experience and are interested in joining the course, contact education@ stables.org for further advice before booking.

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

51

LEARN & TAKE PART

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 1

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

Saturday 26 April, 10am-3pm

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

(Details available on The Stables website or email education@ stables.org.) You will need to bring a six-string acoustic guitar. (The follow-on Blues Guitar Part 2 takes place on Saturday 7 June.)

Cajon Beginners Workshop

Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 27 April,10am-12.30pm

£30

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. Cajons 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).

Latin Percussion for Beginners

Adult/16+ Course

Sundays 27 April, 25 May & 8 June, 1.30pm-4.30pm (three-session course)

£58

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 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.

52

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

Sunday 4 May, 10am-3pm

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.

(The follow-on workshop Ukulele Beginners Part 2 workshop takes place on Sunday 1 June.)

Melodeon Beginners Part 1

LEARN & TAKE PART

Ukulele Beginners Part 1

Adult/15+ Workshop £42

Saturday 10 May, 10am-3pm

A rare chance for beginners to pick up and play the small but mighty melodeon (aka squeezebox) with expert guidance from tutor Mel Biggs. Drawing on traditional English dance tunes, the workshop introduces learning the instrument left hand first to develop effective rhythmical control and coordination, before learning your first tune with both hands (the bit most people find tricky at first!).

This workshop is for anyone interested in English folk music, folk dance, or trying a squeezebox for the first time. You don’t need to read music notation, and no previous melodeon or folk music experience is required, but a basic knowledge of music (scales, chords, time signatures) will help.

This workshop is for melodeons (squeezebox that plays different notes on the squeeze and on the pull for the same button), instruments tuned in D/G with a minimum of 2-rows and 8-basses. If you don’t have your own some loan boxes will be available on the day. Limited number available, so please contact us at education@stables.org if you need to borrow one. (The follow-on workshop Melodeon beginners Part 2 is on Saturday 28 June.)

Harmonica Beginners Part 2

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

Saturday 17 May, 10am-3pm

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.

Saxophone from Scratch

Adult/16+ Workshop

Saturday 17 May, 9.30am-12.30pm OR 1pm-4pm

£32

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 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.

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

53

LEARN & TAKE PART

Introduction to Music Recording and Production Part 2

Adult/15+ Workshop £52

Saturday 24 May, 10am-4pm

Aimed at those who have attended the Intro to Music Recording & Production Part 1 workshop or who already have some experience of recording and music technology, this follow-up session looks 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.

Singing Lead Vocals and Microphone Technique

Adult/15+ Workshop

Sunday 25 May, 1.30pm-5pm

£30

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 or stripped-down guitar accompaniment.

Introduction to Live Sound Engineering Saturday 31 May, 10am-4pm

Adult/16+ Workshop £45

Are you an aspiring sound engineer? Or a musician who wants to understand how to use PA and get a better sound at your gigs? This workshop offers a basic introduction to the world of Live Sound Engineering and will cover types of microphone and placement, basic parts of a PA, how to use a mixing desk and basic EQ. It is suitable for complete beginners, or for people who have gaps in their understanding of live sound.

Ukulele Beginners Part 2 Sunday 1 June, 10am-3pm

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

Building on Beginners Part 1, this workshop is ideal for beginner ukulele players to develop their playing further and 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. (The follow-on part 3 workshop is on Saturday 28 June.)

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

£38

Sunday 25 May, 10am-3pm

This workshop is for anyone who wants to develop their listening and playing skills without the use of written music. You do not need to have had any previous jazz playing experience.

The workshop will take you through simple rhythm and noteplaying exercises and build to everyone playing as a band and improvising in a well-known jazz standard. The workshop is open to all instrumentalists – just let us know what you play when you book. You need to be familiar with basic scales and arpeggios on your instrument.

Blues Guitar Beginners Part 2

LEARN & TAKE PART

Introduction to Jazz Improvisation Adult/15+ Workshop

Adult/15+ Workshop £38

Saturday 7 June,10am-3pm

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.

The Rock Experience

Adult/16+ Course

Sundays 8, 15, 22, 29 June, 6 &13 July, 10am-1pm; Sunday 13th July 3.00-11.00 pm (includes final 7.30pm performance) £95 (£75 students) The Rock Experience is for aspiring rock and pop musicians who would like to take their first steps into playing in a band, and learning with other musicians by playing covers of some classic rock and pop tracks.

you’ll learn and play some classic songs that we’ve selected which are designed to ease you into playing as a group, but we’ll also ask you to suggest songs to cover later in the course.

Open to guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboards, singers, saxophones and other instruments. (For other instruments check with us at education@stables.org before booking.)

At the first session we’ll help organize you into groups so that each group has all the main instrument parts covered. Some players may get the chance to play with more than one group if a ‘guest’ musician is needed to help cover a song.

You 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.

Players who have some previous band experiences are welcome but must join the course as an individual and be prepared to play with new people. Unfortunately we can’t take pre-existing bands on to the course.

Everyone will need to be willing to have a go at different rock and pop styles. At the beginning

As well as being in one main band there will opportunities for breakout sessions to look at different instrument roles, how to work with a PA and a sound engineer, how to develop rehearsal and performance skills.

If you’d like further information or advice about joining this course, contact The Stables Learning and Participation Department at education@stables.org

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

55

LEARN & TAKE PART

MUSIC WEEK

CALLI N G ALL YO U N G MUSICIANS! LOVE TO PLAY? LOVE TO CREATE? Want to play and perform with other young musical explorers?

Join us at The Stables for a week of musical fun and creativity this summer!

Monday 11 Friday 15 August 2025, 8.45am-6pm each day

For ages 11-18

You’ll play with new friends, explore new sounds and maybe even try an instrument or style of music you’ve never tried before. From small groups to a massive All-In Orchestra, we’ll play everything from classical to jazz, from rock and pop to folk – plus a few surprises as well!

And you can share your amazing music with family and friends at our end-of-week performance.

There are no auditions and different instruments are welcome. Just bring your instrument, your musical know-how and your passion to play with other musicians. Expert musicians and tutors will help you along the way, covering lots of different instruments and styles.

For more information, fees and how to apply, visit stables.org and search for Music Week.

Applications open in February.

GALLERY

3 March - 31 May free admission during regular opening hours

S HAP E- S H I F TE R S An exhibition of paintings to music and surrealist dreamscapes by visual artist Fiona Wilson.

Fiona Wilson is an artist working from her studio in Bedford. “Described as ‘Figurative Extraction’ my work is expressive and semiabstract. I combine line and gestural mark making with recognisable figurative symbols and strong, complimentary colours to create paintings with a distinctive vibrancy and ambiguity.”

Next Chapter

56

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

fionawilsonart.com

JULY 2025 IF: MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

57

JULY 2025 IF: MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 58

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

JULY 2025 IF: MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

59

INFORMATION

booking information How to book

Booking Fees

Core box office opening hours:

Prices published in this brochure include all booking commission fees.

Please visit www.stables.org for details of current opening hours

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

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

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

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

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

ONLINE: www.stables.org

For tickets between £25.01 and £35: a commission fee of £3.50 per ticket will be charged

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.

For tickets more than £35: a commission fee of £4.50 per ticket will be charged These fees apply to all booking channels - in person, by phone and online.

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

Concessions/discounts

Postal tickets: At an extra cost of £2.50, we can send your tickets to you by post.

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

Payment options

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

Reservations

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

Data protection

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.

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

Terms & Conditions

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

seating plan

AB AA

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 KEY:

Balcony

LEFT DOOR

ENTRANCES

Balcony BR

LEVEL SEAT TIERED SEAT BALCONY SEATING WHEELCHAIR

CA CB CC CD CE CF CG CH CJ CK CL Sound Desk

BL

Balcony

DB DA

AH AG AF AE AD AC

THRUST STAGE DH DG DF DE DD DC

DH DG DF

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

PROSCENIUM STAGE

RIGHT DOOR

For large print brochures, please call our Box Office on 01908 280800 60

All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

KEY:

L T B W

th

H5 Portw

ay

y Wa

130 TES

CO’

A421 H8

0N

13

A5 tR por

WALTON

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

Accessible Toilets

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.

th

l Lane

w ove

Gr

Sou

oad

ay

• Head towards Milton Keynes on A421

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.

M1

ew

H9

From M1 Junction 13

Parking

A421

S

BUCKINGHAM

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

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

BEDFORD

A5

46

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

lds

Chi

A41

• At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit.

Follow the road through to the Kingston roundabout

H6

1

• Head towards Milton Keynes

NEWPORT PAGNELL

A42

From M1 Junction 14 • At the first roundabout take the 2nd exit

MK17 8LU

Nor

J13

M1

Stockwel

The Stables is situated to the south east of Milton Keynes in the village of Wavendon.

A50 9 J14

How to find us

INFORMATION

visitor information

BLETCHLEY WAVENDON

WOBURN

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 foyer snack bar serves a range of light snacks, soft drinks, teas and coffees. Ice-creams are also available.

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

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

61

INFORMATION

diary at a glance MARCH

Thu 27

Alan Davies

Sat 1

Marcus Brigstocke

Fri 28

Harriet

Sun 2

David O’Doherty

Fri 28

Stick In The Wheel

Tue 4

Ensemble 360: Giddy Goat

Sat 29

James Brown v Prince

Tue 4

Ensemble 360

Sat 29

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Thu 6

BLMK’s Battle of the Bands 2025

Sun 30 Ed Byrne

Fri 7

Police Dog Hogan

APRIL

Fri 7

Wise Woman

Wed 2

Mamudou Sussou & Suntou Sussuo

Sat 8

Lucy Porter

Thu 3

Tony Christie

Sat 8

John Coghlan’s Quo Reimagined

Fri 4

Elles Bailey

Sun 9

Ceilidh Experience Concert & Dance

Fri 4

Max Fulham

Tue 11

Alina Orchestra GCSE Schools Concert

Sat 5

Craig Revel Horwood

Tue 11

The Dublin Legends

Sat 5

Katey Brooks

Thu 13

The Counterfeit Stones

Sun 6

Woburn Sands Band

Fri 14

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Mon 7

The Amazing Bubble Man

Fri 14

Looking For Me Friend

Mon 7

Stables Screenings: Wicked Little Letters (15)

Sat 15

A Night To Remember Motown Show

Tue 8

Stables Screenings: Paddington In Peru (PG)

Sat 15

Navaro

Tue 8

Miles Jupp

Sun 16 Sunday Sessions: James Allsopp Quartet

Wed 9

The Fureys

Sun 16 The South

Wed 9

Luke Wright

Sun 16 Smith & Brewer/The 4 Of Us

Thu 10

Eddi Reader

Mon 17 Graham Gouldman

Thu 10

Dave Kelly Band

Tue 18

Fri 11

Eddi Reader

Wed 19 Charlie Connelly

Fri 11

Thomas Heppell Band

Wed 19 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Sat 12

Johnny Cash Roadshow

Thu 20

Shaparak Khorsandi

Sat 12

Andrew Bird

Fri 21

Graffiti Classics

Sun 13 Sunday Sessions: Joanna Eden Band

Sat 22

The Kast Off Kinks

Tue 15

Dylan Moran

Sat 22

Honey & The Bear

Tue 15

Louise Parker Band

Soft Machine

Sun 23 Family Ceilidh

Wed 16 UK Blues Awards

Sun 23 Reg Meuross Quartet

Wed 16 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Mon 24 WeCompose End of Project Concert

Thu 17

Jamali Maddix

Mon 24 Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan

Fri 18

Lionel: The Music of Lionel Richie

Tue 25

WeCompose End of Project Concert

Sat 19

Teach Rex Live

Tue 25

John Shuttleworth

Sat 19

Feast of Fiddles

Tue 25

Iago Banet

Tue 22

Newton Faulkner

Wed 26 Cara Dillon

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All ticket prices are inclusive of booking fees

Wed 23 Sax Appeal

Friends and Founders discount applies

Educational

Stage 2

Mancini Forum

For more information see page 3

Thu 24

Aurie Styla

Sun 25 The Young’uns

Fri 25

Andy Zaltzman

Mon 26 Curtis Stigers

Fri 25

Kimmie Rhodes

Tue 27

Sat 26

Scott Bennett

Wed 28 Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman

Sat 26

Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion

Curtis Stigers

Thu 29

Laurence Jones

Sun 27 Jon Culshaw

Fri 30

ABC: An Intimate Evening with Martin Fry

Sun 27 Edwina Hayes

Fri 30

Patrick Monahan

Mon 28 Francis Rossi

Sat 31

Alina Orchestra

MAY

JUNE

Thu 1

China Crisis

Sun 1

Peter White

Fri 2

Kate Butch

Tue 3

Toby Lee

Fri 2

Siobhan Miller

Wed 4

All Or Nothing Experience Concert Show

Sat 3

The Enid

Thu 5

The Fizz

Sat 3

Set Two

Fri 6

Suzi Ruffell

Sun 4

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Fri 6

Sam Carter

Thu 8

Jacqui Dankworth

Sat 7

Quo Connection

Fri 9

YolanDa Brown

Sun 8

Chantel McGregor & Blue Nation

Sat 10

Voice of the Heart

Tue 10

Lee Mead

Sun 11 Martin Simpson

Wed 11 George Lewis

Tue 13

Wed 11 Lowri Evans

Mathew Barley

Wed 14 Steeleye Span

Thu 12

Aynsley Lister

Wed 14 The Twangtown Paramours

Fri 13

The History of Rock

Thu 15

Kane Brown

Sat 14

Peggy Seeger

Fri 16

Gryphon

Sat 14

Hannah Brine

Sat 17

The Manfreds

Sun 15 LP Swing Orchestra

Sat 17

Jon Gomm

Wed 18 An Evening Without Kate Bush

Sun 18 Sunday Sessions: Gershwin Piano Trio

Thu 19

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Sun 18 Beth Malcolm

Fri 20

Roy Orbison & the Travelling Wilburys Experience

Mon 19 Sara Pascoe

Sat 21

Northern Soul Live

Tue 20

Sat 21

Jenny Colquitt

The Belgrave House Band

INFORMATION

Indicates a new show which is open for public booking from Friday 14 February.

Prior to this date Stables Friends have priority.

Wed 21 Pulman & Stilgoe

Sun 22 Are You Experienced? Tribute to Jimi Hendrix

Wed 21 Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

Tue 24

Thu 22

Rhinestone Cowboy: The Glen Campbell Story

Wed 25 Scummy Mummies

Fri 23

G2 Genesis

Thu 26

Scummy Mummies

Fri 23

Hannah White

Fri 27

Alfie Moore

Sat 24

G2 Genesis

Fri 27

Gina Sedman

Sat 24

Keith Thompson & Patsy Gamble

Sat 28

Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Wakefire: A Midsummer Celebration

email boxoffice@stables.org

box office 01908 280800

63

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.

“

For the past four years, The Stables has been the perfect host for Milton Keynes College Group’s annual Higher Education Graduation Ceremonies.

The venue’s exceptional facilities and dedicated staff have consistently ensured a memorable and seamless experience for our graduates and their families.”

Stephanie Harman, Events Lead, Milton Keynes College Group

“

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

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

www.stables.org

email boxoffice@stables.org box office 01908 280800

reachmarketing.co.uk 38634 01/25

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