'Founded in 1969 by the world-renowned jazz musicians Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth. It has a vision to: "engage the widest range of people with music in all its diversity" Sir John and Dame Cleo began the realisation of that vision 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, with a second phase of development opening in 2007. It is now home to The Jim Marshall Auditorium with 448 capacity (398 seated and 50 standing) and Stage 2 (80 seated and 20 standing or 100 standing) ... Presents around 350 concerts and 250 education sessions each year.'