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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.
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.
Tilda Swinton introducing the Steiner School Benefit film in front of the new big screen.
Please Note:
The new Autumn season of public shows in theatre, dance and music will start soon (from the Aberdeen Youth Festival on July 30th), and our new “Good Gig Guide” is now printed and in circulation. (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.
Force of Nature is a one-off performance by four of the World’s most inspiring improvising dance artists. It features leading figures from the field of contemporary dance: Michael Schumacher (Ballet Frankfurt, Twyla Tharp Dance); Dai Jian (Trisha Brown company); Kenzo Kusuda (Emio Greco / PC, Boukje Schweigman) and Kirstie Simson, a dynamic force in British dance who has worked with, amongst others, Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith and Simone Forti. To see these legendary artists in action individually is impressive enough, but to witness them performing collectively in this unique international event will be a life-changing, once in a lifetime experience. Unmissable! Tickets available on the door only: £9/£7
Force of Nature is a project initiated by Katrina McPherson and Kirstie Simson, co-produced by Goat & Bodysurf Scotland. Supported by Scottish Arts Council North East Arts Touring See also www.bodysurfscotland.co.uk
The Wilders from Kansas City, Missouri, play storming roots-of-country, bluegrass and hillbilly. This is music as infectious, fun-loving and goodtime as you have heard, delivered by players who have burned up concert halls and festivals across the land. One of the most highly-charged acts on the circuit, the Wilders resurrect 1940's and 50's honky-tonk heroes like Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell, “…hard-driving rhythm and sweetly dovetailing fiddle and dobro lines, they're an unstoppable honky-tonk choo-choo…”The Herald
£12/£10
the hear some of the Wilder's music, click on the widget below
This year we host two youthful dance companies. Chameleon Dance is a modern Ballet company from Canada that specialise in Philippine-inspired dances with contemporary ballet, plus an energetic blend of jazz, folk dances, hiphop and martial arts. The Hungarian Dance Academy mix classical and contemporary ballet, Hungarian folk and contemporary dance. A high energy show that breaks down all cultural boundaries. £9/£7 Please note: the African dancers, Akiwacu Folklore from Burundi, fomerly listed here and still in our Good Gig Guide are now unable to be part of this show.
This is the story of a rational, sceptical woman, a mother and wife, who does not remember her dreams. Except once, when she dreamt her horse was dying. She woke so scared she went outside in the night. She found him dead. The next dream told her she would die herself, when she was 48. When the film-maker Amy Hardie fell seriously ill, as her dream predicted, she went on a search to change that dream, leading her to eminent neuroscientist Mark Solms, and to new understanding of the complexity of our brains. The final confrontation takes us back into her dream with the help of a shaman, revealing a surprising twist to the tale. Nominated for the Best of Fest at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2010"A profound piece of work that is earthy and redemptive at the same time as being reflective, questioning and diligent, so that the overall effect is emotionally destabilising and intellectually challenging. A poetic masterpiece."Stuart Delves, Eye for Film 73 minutes £4/£3 U-13’s on the door Film-maker Amy Hardie will be present at the Universal Hall after the film. A workshop follows the next day for participants who want to engage in a more personal way with the themes of the film. August 1st, 12.30 – 2.30, in The Yurt. Places are free but limited to 12: email a.hardie@eca.ac.uk
http://www.edgeofdreaming.co.uk/index.htm
Following their outstanding success at the Celtic Connections and a main stage appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, Pokey Lafarge and his band The South City Three, from St Louis, Missouri make a welcome first appearance at the Universal Hall. Their hot brand of “riverboat soul” a mix of trad American styles including delta, ragtime, and bluegrass all played on a mix of guitar, harmonica, washboard and stand-up bass will set the house alight. “Like all genii, there’s a little bit of madness in there too, and LaFarge is a sweet singer and a dextrous instrumentalist. Go, be delighted.”The List
£10/£8
you can hear some of Pokey's music by clicking on the widget below
In the past decade no other band has quite captured the excitement, passion and the sensitivity of Scottish music as Blazin’ Fiddles. Their music features the regional styles of each fiddler followed by all hands jumping as fiddlers Catriona Macdonald, Bruce Macgregor, Allan Henderson, Iain Macfarlane and Aidan O’Rourke blaze away to a backing of guitar and piano from Marc Clement Andy Thorburn. Winners of the Album of the Year - Scots Trad Music Awards, 2005 £15/£12
To hear some Blazin Fiddles, click on the widget below
Hans Theessink’s blues-based music has continually developed since 1970 and has attained a status which is unique for a European. His latest CD, Visions, with the American bluesman Terry Evans, was nominated for the 30th Blues Music Awards as Acoustic Album of the Year, The mainly solo, Songs from the Southlands (his 16th CD) was released in 2003. “… one of the best albums of traditional, acoustic blues that I've heard from anyone in years.”Sing Out (on Songs from the Southlands). £10/£8
to hear some of Hans' music, click on the widget below
World-renowned New Age and television music composer and musician, Terry Oldfield, accompanied by his wife Soraya, presents a "Sound Journey" that is truly music for heart and soul. With flutes from the Indian Bansuri, Pan Pipes and Soraya’s sweet voice, they use mantra and percussion to create an unforgettable aural experience. With sales of over 3 million albums and a British Academy Award nomination for best music for television, Terry Oldfield is at the forefront of New Age music. £12/£10
to hear some of Terry's music, click on the widget below
As the very structure of society crumbles around us, people across the planet are waking up and realising our interconnectedness with the whole of life. But Awakening is just the beginning. Where does our evolution lead to next and how do we catalyse it? 5 Gateways is a film that details from direct first hand experience, the five key expansions of consciousness on route to Enlightenment and Ascension. It is the pathway followed by spiritual masters through the ages. Be one of the first to see the film at Findhorn as it premieres around the world ready for general release on 11/11/10. This is a film that changes lives. £4 on the door To see a trailer from the film, please click on the link below
Presented by Theatre ObjektivA Promised Land is a new play by Raymond Raszkowski Ross and performed as a two-hander. It concerns the life and work of the Church of Scotland missionary, Jane Haining, sometimes referred to as “The Scottish Schindler” and explores Jane’s work with Jewish children, mostly orphans, in Budapest and her subsequent murder in Auschwitz. Not without irony or humour A Promised Land is, above all, a story of hope and reconciliation. £10/£8
Presented by Licketyspit who return to the Universal Hall with a new and wonderful tale for children and their families concerning a big pot of spaghetti that can’t be stopped - a comedy with music and cooking from the makers of Heelie-go-Leerie and Molly Whuppie. This is great family theatre from one of the best companies around. Suitable for ages 3 to 93! “I strongly advise parents to take their children to see this. They’ll love it….. and so will you.”The Edinburgh Guide
£6/£5/£4 U-16’s
Presented by Hijinx Ill Met By Moonlight is a haunting and tender love story, a tale of magic and evil spirits, set on the border of Wales and England at a time when country people believed in faerie-folk. A descendant of Puck still roams the countryside causing mayhem and madness wherever he goes. Commissioned in 1994, Ill Met by Moonlight was part of the portfolio of work which earned Hijinx the BBC Arts Award for Theatre Company of the Year. Suitable for all but the very young. £10/£8/£6 U-16’s
Former frontman to Planxty in the 70s, and Irish super group, Patrick Street, in the 80s, Andy Irvine is a musician, singer, songwriter and world music pioneer. He occupies a unique place as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. His show includes Irish traditional songs, Balkan dance tunes, and a canon of his own material that defies description. “Andy is one of the most creative and talented people it has ever been my privilege to work with.”Dick Gaughan
£10/£8
East meets West in this vocal and instrumental performance by Gilles Petit, an extraordinary French singer, composer and instrumentalist. Using a musical style which fuses Indian raga, French chansons and movement, and accompanied by Pavlos Petit on Tabla and John Mount on clarinet, his performance will include his latest choreographed poetry/movement compositions and ragas. On 16th/17th Oct Gilles offers a 2 day voice workshop. Contact info@onebodyonevoice.com for details.
£10/£8 (Tickets at the Phoenix and on the door - no online tickets for this show)
Presented by Karl Jay-Lewin & Company and Rick Nodine & Company. After choreographing for the National Theatre (England) and Glyndebourne Opera, Rick presents his small scale, but evocative study of childhood, Come to Mamma. This duet features two raucously physical and vocal women who weave a movement poem of wild noise, quiet song and left field humour.
Karl Jay-Lewin built his reputation as a choreographer making and performing work in the UK and abroad. He brings his off beat and mischievous performance style to a solo adaptation of USA choreographer, Deborah Hay's At Once - a place where joy and sorrow ripple together in simultaneous coexistence. "... lightning-fast performance circuitry… "The Observer (on "Come to Mamma") £8/£6 (Tickets at the Phoenix and on the door - no online tickets for this show)
More information: www.bodysurfscotland.co.uk
These two brilliant participatory dance shows for children aged from 6 months to 4 (and their grown ups) – are a truly unique experience. Setting the scene with vibrant projections and inspiring dance moves, the team of dancers will guide you and your children through an enormously enjoyable musical journey “We Dance wee groove is crammed with all kinds of motivational/developmental stuff that tots thrive on, what makes it a winner is the feel good factor it uncorks across an hour”The Herald Children £4. Accompanying adults free. Advance booking essential
Omar Afif, a Gnawa musician and dancer from Essaouria in Morocco, grew up listening to the sounds of the magical Gnawa music which is played on gembri (3-stringed lute) and krakeb (castanet). His performance combines Berber, Arabic and Islamic traditional song - trance music - in which phrases are repeated again and again until the audience are brought into a trance-like state. £10/£8. Weekend Workshops. See this website nearer the time for details.
These two legends of traditional music have been playing together for 24 years; filling not only small village halls, but most major performance venues. Phil Cunningham is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative accordion players of the times; Aly Bain is Scotland's supreme traditional-style fiddler. Together they create sublime, inspired music. In 2005 they were awarded Best Duo in the annual BBC Folk Awards. “Simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear”The Herald £16/£14 (Advance booking essential. This show will sell out)
To hear some of Aly and Phil's music, click on the widget below
Presented by Strangeface who were here in 2008 with their show The Last Resort, this an extraordinary adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic ghost story A Christmas Carol. Eccentric masks on human actors, wild puppets, a magical set and spooky soundscapes combine to create an entrancing brew that is both moving and comic. Suitable for all but the very young. "…shooting straight for the heart"The Guardian
£10/£8/£6 U-16’s
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. Please use the following link to see all our events on The Booth http://www.thebooth.co.uk/loader.asp?target=SK_venue.asp?venueID=2
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"
Force of Nature is a one-off performance by four of the World’s most inspiring improvising dance artists. It features leading figures from the field of contemporary dance: Michael Schumacher (Ballet Frankfurt, Twyla Tharp Dance); Dai Jian (Trisha Brown company); Kenzo Kusuda (Emio Greco / PC, Boukje Schweigman) and Kirstie Simson, a dynamic force in British dance who has worked with, amongst others, Steve Paxton, Nancy Stark Smith and Simone Forti. To see these legendary artists in action individually is impressive enough, but to witness them performing collectively in this unique international event will be a life-changing, once in a lifetime experience. Unmissable!
The Wilders from Kansas City, Missouri, play storming roots-of-country, bluegrass and hillbilly. This is music as infectious, fun-loving and goodtime as you have heard, delivered by players who have burned up concert halls and festivals across the land. One of the most highly-charged acts on the circuit, the Wilders resurrect 1940's and 50's honky-tonk heroes like Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell, 
This year we host two youthful dance companies. Chameleon Dance is a modern Ballet company from Canada that specialise in Philippine-inspired dances with contemporary ballet, plus an energetic blend of jazz, folk dances, hiphop and martial arts. The Hungarian Dance Academy mix classical and contemporary ballet, Hungarian folk and contemporary dance. A high energy show that breaks down all cultural boundaries. 
This is the story of a rational, sceptical woman, a mother and wife, who does not remember her dreams. Except once, when she dreamt her horse was dying. She woke so scared she went outside in the night. She found him dead. The next dream told her she would die herself, when she was 48. When the film-maker Amy Hardie fell seriously ill, as her dream predicted, she went on a search to change that dream, leading her to eminent neuroscientist Mark Solms, and to new understanding of the complexity of our brains. The final confrontation takes us back into her dream with the help of a shaman, revealing a surprising twist to the tale. Nominated for the Best of Fest at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2010 "A profound piece of work that is earthy and redemptive at the same time as being reflective, questioning and diligent, so that the overall effect is emotionally destabilising and intellectually challenging. A poetic masterpiece." Stuart Delves, Eye for Film 73 minutes
Following their outstanding success at the Celtic Connections and a main stage appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, Pokey Lafarge and his band The South City Three, from St Louis, Missouri make a welcome first appearance at the Universal Hall. Their hot brand of “riverboat soul” a mix of trad American styles including delta, ragtime, and bluegrass all played on a mix of guitar, harmonica, washboard and stand-up bass will set the house alight.
In the past decade no other band has quite captured the excitement, passion and the sensitivity of Scottish music as Blazin’ Fiddles. Their music features the regional styles of each fiddler followed by all hands jumping as fiddlers Catriona Macdonald, Bruce Macgregor, Allan Henderson, Iain Macfarlane and Aidan O’Rourke blaze away to a backing of guitar and piano from Marc Clement Andy Thorburn. Winners of the Album of the Year - Scots Trad Music Awards, 2005 
Hans Theessink’s blues-based music has continually developed since 1970 and has attained a status which is unique for a European. His latest CD, Visions, with the American bluesman Terry Evans, was nominated for the 30th Blues Music Awards as Acoustic Album of the Year, The mainly solo, Songs from the Southlands (his 16th CD) was released in 2003. “… one of the best albums of traditional, acoustic blues that I've heard from anyone in years.” Sing Out (on Songs from the Southlands).
World-renowned New Age and television music composer and musician, Terry Oldfield, accompanied by his wife Soraya, presents a "Sound Journey" that is truly music for heart and soul. With flutes from the Indian Bansuri, Pan Pipes and Soraya’s sweet voice, they use mantra and percussion to create an unforgettable aural experience. With sales of over 3 million albums and a British Academy Award nomination for best music for television, Terry Oldfield is at the forefront of New Age music. 
Presented by Theatre Objektiv A Promised Land is a new play by Raymond Raszkowski Ross and performed as a two-hander. It concerns the life and work of the Church of Scotland missionary, Jane Haining, sometimes referred to as “The Scottish Schindler” and explores Jane’s work with Jewish children, mostly orphans, in Budapest and her subsequent murder in Auschwitz. Not without irony or humour A Promised Land is, above all, a story of hope and reconciliation.
Presented by Licketyspit who return to the Universal Hall with a new and wonderful tale for children and their families concerning a big pot of spaghetti that can’t be stopped - a comedy with music and cooking from the makers of Heelie-go-Leerie and Molly Whuppie. This is great family theatre from one of the best companies around. Suitable for ages 3 to 93! 
Presented by Hijinx Ill Met By Moonlight is a haunting and tender love story, a tale of magic and evil spirits, set on the border of Wales and England at a time when country people believed in faerie-folk. A descendant of Puck still roams the countryside causing mayhem and madness wherever he goes. Commissioned in 1994, Ill Met by Moonlight was part of the portfolio of work which earned Hijinx the BBC Arts Award for Theatre Company of the Year. Suitable for all but the very young.
East meets West in this vocal and instrumental performance by Gilles Petit, an extraordinary French singer, composer and instrumentalist. Using a musical style which fuses Indian raga, French chansons and movement, and accompanied by Pavlos Petit on Tabla and John Mount on clarinet, his performance will include his latest choreographed poetry/movement compositions and ragas. On 16th/17th Oct Gilles offers a 2 day voice workshop. Contact 
Presented by Karl Jay-Lewin & Company and Rick Nodine & Company. After choreographing for the National Theatre (England) and Glyndebourne Opera, Rick presents his small scale, but evocative study of childhood, Come to Mamma. This duet features two raucously physical and vocal women who weave a movement poem of wild noise, quiet song and left field humour. 
These two brilliant participatory dance shows for children aged from 6 months to 4 (and their grown ups) – are a truly unique experience. Setting the scene with vibrant projections and inspiring dance moves, the team of dancers will guide you and your children through an enormously enjoyable musical journey 
Omar Afif, a Gnawa musician and dancer from Essaouria in Morocco, grew up listening to the sounds of the magical Gnawa music which is played on gembri (3-stringed lute) and krakeb (castanet). His performance combines Berber, Arabic and Islamic traditional song - trance music - in which phrases are repeated again and again until the audience are brought into a trance-like state. 
These two legends of traditional music have been playing together for 24 years; filling not only small village halls, but most major performance venues. Phil Cunningham is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative accordion players of the times; Aly Bain is Scotland's supreme traditional-style fiddler. Together they create sublime, inspired music. In 2005 they were awarded Best Duo in the annual BBC Folk Awards. 
Presented by Strangeface who were here in 2008 with their show The Last Resort, this an extraordinary adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic ghost story A Christmas Carol. Eccentric masks on human actors, wild puppets, a magical set and spooky soundscapes combine to create an entrancing brew that is both moving and comic. Suitable for all but the very young. 
