Listen to the programme

The couple gave up their beautiful home in Aspley Guise in the late 1960s to pursue their dream of a music venue that would encourage and educate musicians and would-be musicians of all ages and abilities.

The pair took on a wreck of a house and quickly turned the stable block into a theatre that had an intimacy and a charm of its own.

Today’s Stables retains that intimacy but is also one of the country’s leading music venues - and not just for Cleo and John’s beloved jazz. They recall how Princess Margaret insisted on opening the new Theatre just as she had the first, even though she was very ill.

They also remember some of the musical greats who have performed at Wavendon over the years, including Dudley Moore, who has passed away since the programme was made.

Education is very important at the Stables and we drop in as hundreds of very young children enjoy what is possibly their first live show. Dame Cleo explains her unique method of obtaining funds: "Whenever I meet a millionaire, or even better, a billionaire, I grab him!"