Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes – Details, episodes & analysis

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Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes

Nick Coffer

Arts

Comedy

Frequency: 1 episode/37d. Total Eps: 33

From the iconic Stables music and entertainment venue in Milton Keynes, hear world class performers in conversation (and in session) with broadcaster Nick Coffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ruby Turner // Kathryn Tickell

Season 2 · Episode 8

Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 01:00:13

In this episode, Nick is joined by two remarkable musicians whose careers have been built on authenticity rather than chasing fame.

First up is the incomparable Ruby Turner. Across a career spanning soul, gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues, she's worked with everyone from Jools Holland and Bryan Ferry to Steve Winwood. But this conversation goes far beyond music. Ruby reflects on why she's always chosen to "serve the music" rather than celebrity, the headteacher who changed her life with a pair of theatre tickets, and how a major knee operation unexpectedly inspired her latest music. It's an uplifting and deeply thoughtful discussion about purpose, resilience and what really matters.

Then it's the turn of Kathryn Tickell, one of Britain's most celebrated folk musicians and a true ambassador for the North East. Kathryn talks about growing up surrounded by Northumbrian traditions, discovering that the smallpipes were the instrument she'd been searching for, and why she believes everyone has an instrument that's right for them. She also reflects on her long collaboration with Sting, the importance of staying curious as an artist, and why saying "yes" to the projects that scare you often leads to the most rewarding work.

Two artists. Two very different musical journeys. One shared belief that music is about far more than performance – it's about identity, connection and telling stories that matter.

Ruby Turner appears at The Stables on Sunday 4 October, while Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening perform on Tuesday 3 November.

For tickets and the latest programme, visit stables.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Elles Bailey // Elio Pace

Season 2 · Episode 7

Sunday, June 7, 2026 • Duration 01:05:34

This month on Turn Up The Volume, Nick Coffer is joined by two acclaimed artists with remarkable stories to tell.

First up is multi award-winning singer-songwriter Elles Bailey, who reflects on the childhood illness that almost took her voice, the extraordinary chain of events that led her to Nashville, and the stories behind albums including Shining in the Half Light and her latest release, Can't Take My Story Away. She also pays tribute to her late friend and fellow musician Matt Long and discusses her long-standing relationship with The Stables.

Later, Nick catches up with pianist, singer-songwriter and entertainer Elio Pace. Elio talks about growing up in an Italian musical household, the £5 piano that started it all, his lifelong connection with Billy Joel, and the extraordinary encounters that shaped his career, including friendships with Ronnie Corbett and members of Billy Joel's original band. He also shares details of his long-awaited new album and the tour that brings him to The Stables this September.

A vibrant, narrative and fun episode with two amazing artists.

Elio Pace — Friday 12th September, 8.00pm

Elles Bailey: Can't Take My Story Away — Friday 27th November, 7.30pm

stables.org

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Sarah-Jane Morris // John Coghlan // Teddy Thompson

Season 2 · Episode 6

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 01:20:42

Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose stories span decades of music, resilience, and a shared refusal to take the easy road.

Sarah-Jane Morris opens the episode discussing The Sisterhood and Sisterhood Two — two albums she wrote with guitarist Tony Remy as tributes to the female singer-songwriters who paved the way for generations that followed. She explains why each artist had to be a songwriter first, shares the remarkable stories behind the songs, and reveals how her own turbulent childhood gave her a personal connection to women like Bessie Smith, Etta James and Janis Ian. From a Pullman train riddled with bullet holes to a recording session in Johannesburg on what would have been Miriam Makeba's 90th birthday, this is a conversation full of moments that stay with you.

John Coghlan, the original drummer of Status Quo, joins Nick with half a century of stories and a very clear philosophy: play the song, don't show off. He looks back on the band's relentless touring years, explains why he largely avoided the excesses that consumed others, and shares his memories of the classic lineup reunion — including Rick Parfitt sneaking onto the tour bus with a ukulele for late-night sing-songs. It's warm, funny, and quietly moving.

Finally, Teddy Thompson calls in from New Jersey ahead of his new album Never Be the Same. The son of Richard and Linda Thompson has lived in America for over 25 years, and this conversation finds him reflective — about midlife, about change, and about what gets lost when music stops being real. He talks about Auto-Tune as creative death, explains why he always searches for a live clip before trusting any new artist, and is characteristically dry about the gap between who he sounds like and who he actually is.

Sarah-Jane Morris: The Acoustic Sisterhood — Friday 5 September

John Coghlan with Quo Connection — Saturday 6 June

An Evening with John Coghlan — Friday 28 August

Teddy Thompson — Wednesday 17 June

stables.org

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Eric Bibb // Patti Boulaye // Gary Innes

Season 2 · Episode 5

Thursday, February 5, 2026 • Duration 01:18:51

Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose work spans continents, genres, and generations of storytelling.

Eric Bibb opens the episode reflecting on gratitude, purpose, and what it means to be "the happiest man in the world." The blues legend discusses how simplicity can be powerful, shares memories of meeting Bob Dylan at eleven, and explains why songs have a staying power that history books don't. He talks about his move to Sweden in his twenties, the miraculous string of events that shaped his career, and why music's role in social change matters more than ever.

Patti Boulaye shares her extraordinary journey from accidentally auditioning for Hair to turning down major Hollywood contracts. In a moving conversation, she reflects on surviving the Biafran war as a child, why faith and family always come first, and how witnessing death shaped her perspective on fame, success, and what truly matters. She discusses her one-woman show bringing together stories, songs spanning musicals to Afrobeat gospel, and a lifetime of choosing purpose over easy success.

Finally, Gary Innes takes us into the world of Shinty—the ancient Highland sport he played to top level—and explains how its discipline, teamwork, and community spirit mirror his work with Manràn. He reflects on the challenge of pushing Gaelic music into the mainstream, the moment their song Latha Math caught the nation's attention, and why traditional Scottish music now fills 14,000-seat arenas. Gary discusses the band's evolution, the lyrical beauty of the Gaelic language, and why intimate venues like The Stables remain at the heart of what they do.

Eric Bibb - Monday 24 March, 8:00pm

Patti Boulaye - Friday 16 May, 8:45pm

Gary Innes / Manràn - Sunday 17 May, 8:00pm

stables.org

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Andy Fairweather Low // Luke Wright // Ally McErlaine

Season 2 · Episode 4

Thursday, December 18, 2025 • Duration 01:17:16

In this December edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose stories span decades of British music history, personal revelation, and creative resilience.

Andy Fairweather Low opens the episode reflecting on the passing of Steve Cropper, whose understated brilliance shaped Andy's entire approach to guitar. From fronting Amen Corner at the Royal Albert Hall with Jimi Hendrix to becoming the invisible bluesman behind Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, and Van Morrison, Andy shares stories of sixties Cardiff soul clubs, George Best football matches, and why being "good on the bus" matters as much as technical skill. His new album The Invisible Bluesman is a celebration of that quiet mastery.

Next, Luke Wright brings his most personal work yet with Later Life Letter, a show exploring his adoption and the moment he discovered his birth mother on Facebook. In a deeply moving conversation, he discusses the slow journey of writing poems to understand his own story, the temptation and fear around making contact, and why adoption left him with a voracious appetite for life. It's a beautifully honest chat about identity, belonging, and taking control through art.

Finally, Ally McErlaine joins from Red Sky July, whose new album Misty Morning showcases lush harmonies and Americana-tinged songcraft. He discusses the brain aneurysm in 2007 that nearly killed him, the eight months in hospital that followed, and how the determination to make that first album drove his recovery. With his wife Shelly and singer Haley Glenny Smith, he's created something gorgeously melodic - and he's grateful for every moment of it.

Andy Fairweather-Low - Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February, 8pm

Luke Wright - Wednesday 9 April, 8:45pm

Red Sky July - Saturday 22 February, 8:45pm

stables.org

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Clare Teal // Horse McDonald // Steve Knightley

Season 2 · Episode 3

Monday, November 10, 2025 • Duration 01:20:23

In this November edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose voices and stories have shaped decades of British music.

Clare Teal opens the episode celebrating 25 years of touring, reflecting on vulnerability, finding joy in the moment, and how her fifties have brought a new appreciation for her craft. She shares the remarkable story of singing with Sam Smith at the BBC Proms and discusses why being an introvert actually makes performing easier.

Next, Horse McDonald talks about performing The Same Sky 35 years after its release - the album that introduced her powerful, authentic songcraft to the world. In a deeply moving conversation, she discusses music as a lifeline, singing to her mother before she passed away, and why her audiences have become family.

Finally, Steve Knightley of Show of Hands reflects on his musical godfathers - Bob Dylan, Martin Carthy and Ted Hughes - and shares his songwriting philosophy: write what you know, love and see. He discusses the challenge of staying connected to your roots as an artist and opens up about life after Show of Hands.

Clare Teal Five - Saturday 29 November, 8pm

Horse McDonald: The Same Sky 35th Anniversary - Tuesday 26 November, 8pm

Steve Knightley's Winter Yards Band - Tuesday 3 December, 8pm (SOLD OUT - join waiting list)

www.stables.org

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Grace Petrie // Mike Lindup // Julie Fowlis

Season 2 · Episode 2

Friday, October 10, 2025 • Duration 01:28:32

In this October edition, Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose music and stories capture the heart of what live performance is all about.

Grace Petrie opens the episode with her trademark mix of conviction, wit and compassion. She talks about the political threads running through her album Build Something Better, why empathy matters more than ever, and how her new show No Time to Panic balances protest, reflection and humour.

Next, Mike Lindup, co-founder of Level 42, looks back on a lifetime in music - from the jazz-funk that defined a decade to the creative freedom of his solo albums Changes and Changes 2. He shares memories of his musical upbringing, the story behind Something About You, and his personal link to Stables founders John Dankworth and Cleo Laine.

Finally, Julie Fowlis joins from her US tour to talk about the power of Gaelic song, the connection between language and landscape, and the joy of bringing Scottish tradition to new audiences around the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Nerina Pallot // Brian Bilston // Duke Special

Season 2 · Episode 1

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 01:09:32

Turn Up The Volume! is back with a brand new season from The Stables in Milton Keynes.

Nick welcomes singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot for a wide-ranging conversation about 25 years in music, the family and loss that have shaped her writing, and the inspiration behind her most recent album. She also shares the story of Madison, a song that arrived fully formed in a dream and has since become a powerful part of her live shows.

We also meet poet Brian Bilston, the so-called “Banksy of poetry”, who talks about anonymity, humour and why his poems work just as well set to music as they do on the page. He reads a favourite piece and reflects on the journey from cult social-media presence to published author and performer with a band.

And rounding off the episode, Duke Special reveals how curiosity has driven his career from songwriting to theatre and even collaborations with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. He talks about obsession, storytelling and the surprises audiences can expect when he returns to The Stables in November.

As always, Turn Up The Volume shines a light on the artists and performances coming to The Stables. For tickets and full listings, visit stables.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Eve Selis // Lee Mead // Peggy Seeger

Season 1 · Episode 25

Friday, May 23, 2025 • Duration 01:23:17

In possibly the post powerful episode yet of Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes, Eve Selis opens up about the personal trauma which led to the writing of her latest album "Dark Side Blue". She was faced with the kind of family tragedy which none of us could imagine ever having to face, let alone deal with and come back from. It's an absolutely compelling interview and really deserves your time.

Equally touching is Peggy Seeger, as she embarks on her very final farewell tour, after 75 years of music and activism. She looks back on a musical life which has made such a difference to so many people, and looks ahead to her final gig at The Stables, with her two sons.

And one of the loveliest people in music, Lee Mead, is coming to The Stables, with big songs and a great band. Which of the West End characters he has played would he most like to be? Listen to his interview to find out, as he talks about fame, talent and hard graft.

To book tickets for these, and any other shows at The Stables, head off to www.stables.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Young'uns // Ashnaa // Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

Season 1 · Episode 24

Monday, April 14, 2025 • Duration 01:11:01

This lovely, sunny Spring episode’s all about stories, music, and the power of connecting - on stage and off.

Joining Nick this time:

🎤 David Eagle – One third of award-winning folk trio The Young’uns, David chats about how singing turned into stand-up, why folk music still matters, and how songs can tell powerful, personal stories. Honest, funny, and full of heart.

🎶 Ashnaa - A local artist blending R&B, jazz, and Carnatic music, Ashna talks about growing up shy, finding her voice, and why singing in Tamil feels like home. Her music is full of emotion and authenticity - and it’s only the beginning.

🎸 George Hinchliffe – Founder of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George shares 40 years of uke-playing tales - from local pubs to the Royal Albert Hall. Expect dry humour, a bit of musical nerdery, and real love for the instrument.

Coming up at The Stables:

– The Young’uns – May 25

– Ashna Sasekaran – June 7 (Stage 2)

– Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – June 19

Tickets: stables.org

🎪 Also: Check out IF: Milton Keynes International Festival at ifmiltonkeynes.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes – Details, episodes & analysis

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Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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