About Us

Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd (WAP), a registered charity, was founded in 1969 by the world-renowned jazz musicians Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth, with an aim to provide a centre of musical activity which would break down barriers between music genres and introduce music to as many people as possible regardless of age or social background.

The vision was realised with the development of The Stables Theatre, in some outbuildings at their home, as a venue for concerts and education activities. In October 2000, the new Stables Theatre opened its doors on a 398 seat auditorium which now presents over 200 concerts and over 200 education sessions each year.

The old Stables building

The new Stables building

The intimate auditorium has proved to be a favourite venue for many of the world's finest musicians from the world of pop, rock, jazz, classical and roots music with recent concert highlights including Joan Armatrading, Courtney Pine, Bill Wyman, Dave Brubeck, Nigel Kennedy, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Paul Carrack, Nils Lofgren, Eric Bibb, Steve Hackett, Antonio Forcione, Evelyn Glennie, Walter Trout, Thea Gilmore, Suzanne Vega, Cerys Matthews, Kate Rusby, Nerina Pallot and Nuru Kane to name but a few.

Its diverse programme continues to attract musicians respected as leading exponents of their genre whilst providing performing opportunities for emerging artists through regular initiatives such as the Jazz Forum, Bob Harris Presents…, and the hugely successful BBC Radio 2 Broadcasts of "Live From The Stables". Over the past few years "Live From The Stables" has provided a platform for emerging talent such as Gwyneth Herbert, Jamie Cullum, Lemar, Jamie Scott and Clare Teal to perform with the Dankworth Big Band and on the same platform as established artists such as Curtis Stigers, Craig David, Beverley Knight, Marti Pellow, Alison Moyet and Chrissie Hynde.

Lemar performs with the Dankworth Big Band

For an in-depth delve into the history of The Stables a book The Stables: Inside Story is available to buy from The Stables' shop and also from the Box Office. Click here for more information on how to buy your copy.

History