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Universal Hall
The Universal Hall hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year and is proud to be a venue for the newly formed National Theatre of Scotland.
Events at the Hall include concerts of all kinds: contemporary music, evenings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Nairn International Jazz Festival; dramatic performances by the National Theatre of Scotland, 7:84 Theatre Company, TAG Theatre Company; a range of comedy, dance, film and children's entertainment.
Flexible facilties at the Universal Hall also make it an efficient and attractive venue for conference and workshop events, including the Findhorn Foundation's international conferences.
The Universal Hall is working together with Moray Council to develop the Hall's potential further so that it can become an even more important resource for the local area, offering services to the whole of Moray and beyond.
Upcoming events are listed here. If you have any questions about these, or would like to enquire about the Universal Hall as a venue, please contact us.
Send an email Universal Hall or telephone 01309 691170
How to buy tickets
For information on how to buy tickets, please scroll down to the bottom of these listings. Also scrolling down reveals all the performances listed in 'upcoming events' on the left in date order.
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Tilda Swinton introducing the Steiner School Benefit film in front of the new big screen.
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New 2010 Season
Please Note:
The new season of public shows in theatre, dance and music has started, and our “Good Gig Guide” is now out. (If you want a copy sent to you then email uhall@findhorn.org with your address but know that the information is also available here on this website). We may also show the occasional film at fairly short notice. Look out for posters or see this website. Alternatively, you can join our email list by adding your email address to the box at the top left of this website page and we'll send you a 'whats on' email every month and include the films.
Meanwhile, to see what we have on from now, scroll down the list below.
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SESSION A9
Fri 12th Feb, 8pm
With players from Capercaillie, Peatbog Faeries, Fiddlers Bid and Blazin Fiddles, Session A9 is a very special band indeed - one of the most experienced and talented fiddle bands on the circuit began to appear live. Straight after their performance at Celtic Connections, the band will head out on the road, with the Universal Hall a key venue on their UK tour. Not a night to be missed.
"Take the cream of traditional musicians, thrilling arrangements and lashings of verve and sparkle and you'll get something of the flavour of Session A9." Catriona Ross
£12/£10
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ESSENTIAL SCOTTISH OPERA
Sat 13th Feb, 7.30pm
Scottish Opera hits the road once more, and bring to the Universal Hall a selection of opera highlights from around the world. Four fantastic young singers and a pianist perform excerpts from a variety of opera favourites along with some interesting surprises from lesser-known works.
“Scottish Opera has an absolute winner on its hands. The show exudes confidence, style and panache. Not to be missed” The Herald
£10/£5 under 26’s
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BURMA VJ (Film)
Sun 14th Feb, 12.30pm

The Co-operative both sponsors and presents this very special screening at the Universal Hall. Acclaimed filmmaker, Anders Østergaard, brings us close to the video journalists risking torture and life in jail in Burma. These courageous young citizens live the essence of journalism as they insist on keeping up the flow of news from their closed country. Armed with small handycams the Burma VJs as they are called, stop at nothing to make their reportages from the streets of Rangoon. Their material is smuggled out of the country and broadcast back into Burma via satellite and offered as free usage for international media. The film offers a unique insight into high-risk journalism and dissidence in a police state, while at the same time providing a thorough documentation of the historical and dramatic days of September 2007, when the Buddhist monks started marching.
“…demonstrates what can be done through the ingenious use of small cameras and mobile phones by brave, resourceful opponents of oppressive regimes.” The Observer
free (courtesy of the Co-operative)
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KEN CAMPBELL’S IDEAL BAND
Fri 12th Mar, 8pm

The re-formed Ideal Band delivers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional songs from Scotland, and brings together three of Scotland's most respected and experienced musicians: Ken Campbell - Vocals/Guitar/Spanish Lute; Seylan Baxter - Cello/Electric Cello/Vocals and Gavin Paterson -Piano/Guitar/Vocals.
"The songs are absolutely gorgeous ....I can't praise this CD highly enough, and if you get a chance to see them live, make time to enjoy an evening of great songs and great music" CD REVIEW ON AMAZON
£9/£7
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THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR
Sat 13th Mar, 7.30pm
Bribes, mis-directed contracts, mis-allocation of public money, fiddled expenses. Panic. Sound familiar? Nikolai Gogol’s classic satire on bureaucracy and human vanity here presented by Communicado, one of Scotland ’s most trailblazing theatre companies, in a co-production with The Tron, Glasgow. A swinging, fast-paced, very black comedy featuring a cast of ten performers, with live music played by the company.
“An innovative and daring company” The Herald
£9/£7/£5 under 16's
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MAGGIE MACINNES
Fri 19th Mar, 8pm
Singer and clàrsach player, Maggie MacInnes, was voted Best Gaelic Singer of the Year in the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards, 2004, Maggie will be performing Gaelic songs from her family tradition and some of her favourite Scots songs and will be accompanied by the wonderful Brian McAlpine (of Session A9) on Keyboards and Accordian
"Maggie … brings to her performance an uncontrived naturalness and at times raw heartfeltness that is nothing short of captivating.” P. Urpeth, Hi-Arts.
£9/£7
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ONE UP AND ONE DOWN
Sat 20th Mar, 7.30pm
Women under pressure is the theme of Natasha Gilmore’s (Gilmore Productions) latest serving of comedic dance in collaboration with Scottish composer, Quee MacArthur, Zimbabwean poet Tawona Sitholé and three dance artists. This funny, topical work blends complex choreography, comedy, music and poetry to deliver a poignant assessment of contemporary woman.
“At a stroke she invokes both clown and tragedienne. Brilliant.” The Times
£9/£7/£5 under 16's
To see the trailer for One Up One Down click on this link http://tv.enterprisescreen.co.uk/watch?v=157
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SHAKESPEARE Vs SHAKESPEARE
Sat 27th Mar, 7.30pm
This production from Charioteer Theatre explores famous Shakespearian scenes from different angles. Two actors, running a radio programme on Shakespeare, are stuck in a Scottish radio station after a terrible disaster. They don't know if there are any survivors but they decide to continue to with the programme and perform Shakespeare for any possible listener. Their show includes scenes from Richard The Third, Measure for Measure, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest and others. The production is of particular interest to those studying English, Drama or Philosophy. Some strong language. Suitable for 11 years and up.
£9/£7/£5 under 16's
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Middle Eastern Film Festival.
Sat 10th April, 7.30pm
Pomegranates and Myrrh Al-mor wa al rumman (Palestine 2008)
Najwa Najjar's debut feature combines a stellar cast, a set of remarkable locations within the Palestinian territories, and a powerful story of love under pressure. With the politics left in the background, Najjar opens with a brilliant ensemble scene – the joyous wedding of olive farmer Zaid (newcomer Ashraf Farah) and dancer Kamar
(the stunning Al Masri), the moment beforetheir lives unravel...
1h35m / DVD / Arabic, English and Hebrew with English subtitles / 12A
£4 / £3 under 16. Pay on the door.
Sun. 11th April, 7.30pm
On the Way to School İki Dil Bir Bavul (Turkey 2009)
Recently graduated primary teacher Emre has been sent to run a remote school in Turkish Kurdistan. He arrives to discover a village with no running water, a somewhat relaxed approach to school attendance and pupils who only speak Kurdish, a language fervently prohibited by the Turkish government. Filmed over one year, this is a beautiful, affectionate and gently humorous observation of Emre (never far from a phone call home to his mum) and his class, as they struggle to come to terms with one another's customs.
£4 / £3 under 16. Pay on the door.
Tour organised by Middle East Festival and Filmhouse in Edinburgh www.mesp.org.uk ww.filmhousecinema.com
 
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ELIZABETH ROGERS
Fri 16th April, 7.30pm
Liz Rogers returns to her old home fresh out of the recording studio to launch her latest CD, “Breathe and Begin”. After playing to enthusiastic audiences across the western-US and Japan last year, Liz comes back to the Hall to share her original folk music plus tales from the road, accompanying herself on guitar and with guest musicians backing. Having been compared to Joan Baez more times than she can count, Liz’s pure voice and intimate songwriting style are a treat not to be missed.
£10/£8
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DEVA PREMAL AND MITEN
Fri 7th May, 8pm
With CD sales of nearly one million, Deva & Miten are living proof that the power of mantra is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Deva and Miten’s music is an expression of spiritual devotion, through song and chant. Deva, best known for her top-selling chant CDs, is a classically trained musician and gifted singer. Miten, was a singer-songwriter in the 70s, opening for such groups as Fleetwood Mac, Lou Reed and Ry Cooder.
“Beautiful music, beautiful..." H.H. The Dalai Lama
£12/£10
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THE AN TOBAR SESSIONS: AIDAN O’ROURKE’S AN TOBAR BAND AND THE DAVE MILLIGAN TRIO
Fri 14th May
Two of Scotland’s most exciting and acclaimed composers, present a stunning concert centred around a brace of contemporary musical pieces, which were originally commissioned by the An Tobar Arts Centre (Tobermory) in celebration of their tenth anniversary. The concert will also feature a specially written, new work by Dave Milligan and Aidan O’Rourke (Lau) which unites both of their respected ensembles for the first time.
"Intense, beautiful…." (The Independent) ****
£10/£8
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GILDED BALLOON COMEDY CIRCUIT
Sat 15th May, 8pm
Featuring Chris Martin and Jimmy McGhie. The best of the contemporary stand-up comedy circuit on a tour arranged by the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh. See also 6th Feb. Please note that the comedians listed may change at short notice. Check our website for latest details but know that you’re in for a great night out in the company of these rising stars of stand-up.
Chris Martin‘Tight, well structured, funny and original… Solid stand-up set with attention to gags’ Chortle
‘He made matter-of-fact, dryly witty observations on life that never failed to hit the mark. He was my favourite of the night’ BBCi
Jimmy McGhie“Jimmy McGhie stole the show…Excellent comic timing and a generally charming manner ensured this show is not to be missed.” Three Weeks
'A real talent' Guardian.
£14/£12
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CHLOË GOODCHILD
Sat 22nd May, 8pm
Northern Lights Conference Concert
A rare opportunity to bathe in the amazing sound world of the extraordinary Chloë Goodchild! Passionate about voice and sound as a vehicle for spirit, Chloe founded the Naked Voice practice in 1990. She has recorded a range of highly successful musical CDs and audio books, as well as singing for film, TV, radio and theatre world-wide. Her Sura CD received a Grammy nomination, and her most recent audio-teaching book, Awakening through Sound, won the USA Earphones Award 2008.
“…a spectacular genius … at the core of a fascinating phenomenon that is allowing individuals to find their freedom and creativity.” Coleman Barks
£10/£8
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DUNCAN CHISHOLM AND IVAN DREVER
Wed 26th May, 7.30pm
Two of Scotland's most esteemed traditional players, Duncan Chisholm and Ivan Drever make a welcome return to the Universal Hall. With their eclectic mix of fiddle, guitar and song, an evening with Duncan and Ivan is a truly special experience, combining Duncan's fiddle mastery and Ivan's self-penned jewels. Both men work with esteemed Scottish band Wolfstone and together they wrote ‘Heart and Soul’ used in the Oscar winning motion picture 'Good Will Hunting.'
£9/£7
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KAREN MATHESON
Fri 4th June, 8pm

Widely recognized as the haunting vocals of Celtic supergroup Capercaillie, Karen Matheson will tonight appear with her band, who include Donald Shaw, Ewen Vernal and James Grant. Performing as part of her current UK tour, Karen has been involved with various projects including the award winning BBC series Transatlantic sessions as well as touring the world and recording with various artists incuding Emmylou Harris and Paul Brady amongst others. A truly special performer, we’re delighted to have her back to the Universal Hall for the first time in many years.
£14/£12
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DAIMH AND BUILLE
Wed 16th June, 8pm
Dàimh, (pronounced Dive) and Buille come together in a Tune Up tour.The charging pipe and fiddle led assault that has seen Daimh rocking far and wide is now joined by the amazing vocals of (mod gold medalist ) Calum Alex MacMillan from Lewis, Buille perform music based on traditional Irish forms but freely borrowing stylistic elements from jazz, blues, Eastern European music and contemporary classical music. Driven by Concertina , Uillean pipes and fiddle.
" as fresh a breath that's blown through traditional (and roots) circles in a long, long time." The Irish Times
£9/£7
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TICKETS
Unless otherwise specified (and not movies which are pay on the door), advance tickets can be booked usually one or two weeks in advance at the Phoenix Stores, Findhorn, 01309 690110 and on-line at www.thebooth.co.uk Both these outlets take credit cards but please note: we cannot take credit cards for tickets bought on the night at the venue. Cash or cheques only on the night.
For events more than two weeks in advance, please use the on-line booking at www.thebooth.co.uk If the event is not listed there, we haven't yet posted the ticket information so please keep checking or ring us at 01309 691170 for a date when tickets will be on sale.
Do you want to receive events listings monthly by email? (This may include extra events not always listed here on the web). If so please add your email address to the "Events Updates" box at the top left of our website www.universalhall.co.uk and click "Subscribe"
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UNIVERSAL HALL EVENTS ARE SUPPORTED BY:
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HOW TO GET TO THE UNIVERSAL HALL
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