Latest news – Live events at last
HALL LATEST
We are delighted to announce a full season of live events and films for the Autumn. Please note that there will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. We will, of course, respond to any changes in the Covid rules issued by the Scottish Government in the coming period.
Universal Hall Team, September 2021
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February 2017
A Bench on the Road (theatre) Sat 25th Feb, 7.30pm
Presented by Charioteer Theatre and based on real testimonies, A Bench on the Road is a rich piece of musical and visual storytelling which explores Scottish-Italian women’s experience of immigration in the period 1850-1950. Based on hundreds of interviews collected over thirty years, this play brings to life stories of our mothers, unlocking the past and asking pertinent questions about our future. Weaving together folk music from the Scottish and Italian traditions, bold visuals and innovative language and dialect, the piece strikes at the heart of the public debate around immigration and changing notions of identity in Europe. Age guidelines: 10+
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »March 2017
The End of Things (theatre) Wed 1st Mar, 7.30pm
The End of Things is the spellbinding new performance from Glasgow’s celebrated ‘laboratory theatre’ ensemble Company of Wolves. Combining theatre, dance, music, and improvisation, and performed by a cast of five disciplined, physically daring actors, it is a show about beginnings and endings – about love, loss and saying goodbye. It is quite unlike any other theatre show you will see this year. Elegiac, life affirming and strange, it will stay with you long beyond the end of the performance. Running Time: 75mins with no interval Age guidelines: 12+
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
To see a trailer from the show click here
Find out more »Christine Bovill’s Piaf (musical theatre) Fri 24th March, 8pm
The award-winning singer Christine Bovill brings to life Edith Piaf in this show. Piaf’s story is well documented – her legendary voice – a child of the Paris streets who rose, via a tragic life of drink, drugs and death at 48, to become the best-known chanteuse in America and throughout the world. Christine Bovill’s PIAF celebrates one of France’s most endearing icons; with some of her best known songs. Despite the sorrow of Piaf’s story, this is an evening of celebration – a tale of human triumph over tragedy; and, at its heart, a unique performance by a woman widely regarded as one of the finest interpreters of French Song.
“Something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.” Sunday Times
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s
To buy online (10% booking fee) click here
to see a video of Christine singing a Piaf song on the Review Show click here
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April 2017
Faslane (theatre) Wed 5th April, 7.30pm
Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, or Faslane, situated 40 miles outside Glasgow, is home to the UK’s nuclear missile program: Trident. With her family having worked in Faslane all her life, and with friends protesting at the gates, Fringe First winner Jenna Watt explores what happens when the personal and political collide. Drawing on interviews with individuals at the front line of the nuclear debate, Jenna navigates her own journey through the politics, protests and peace camps in this multi award-winning show, direct from a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. “Exceptional… Fascinating, and completely gripping.” The Scotsman
To see a video trailer click here
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
to buy online (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »Crazy Glue (theatre) Wed 19th April, 7.30pm
They have a car in the garage, a chicken in the pot and a child on the way. But is that enough to make true love stick? Inspired by Etgar Keret’s short story, Crazy Glue follows the comedic roller coaster of a couple’s romance as they move from the blossoming of first love through to the thornier terrain of married life. Inspired by the physical comedy of Buster Keaton and the madcap absurdity of Looney Tunes, Single Shoe Productions fuse clown, mime and dance into a universally accessible show that reveals the mad, messy, sticky side of love. Age recommendation 10+ but younger children should enjoy the slapstick humour.
“Enchanting.” The Scotsman
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
To see a trailer from the show click here
Find out more »May 2017
Descent (theatre) Sat 13th May, 8pm
“If you love someone you stick by them, no matter what happens. Because that’s the deal. Isn’t it?”
50-somethings Rob and Cathy are looking forward to reclaiming their own lives now that their daughter Nicola is grown-up and settled; but looming over them is a threat that could rip the future apart for all three of them. Descent explores what happens as they try to hold on to each other – and
themselves – in the face of early onset dementia. Descent doesn’t flinch from the despair and heartbreak they face – but it also celebrates the courage, the hope and the humanity they bring to the fight. Recommended age 14+ and adults. Running time 55mins
**** The Scotsman
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »November 2017
The North – Joan Clevillé Dance (dance theatre) Wed. 22nd Nov, 7.30pm
After their acclaimed debut Plan B for Utopia, Joan Clevillé Dance return with The North; the bleak yet whimsical story, told in dance, of a young man’s journey in search of meaning in an unpredictable environment. It’s a place we all know, but we have never been… a forest, a desert of ice. The land of ancient gods, wild animals and strange creatures. The home of the Terrible and the Sublime… Joan Clevillé Dance are based in Scotland and create work that challenges the conventional boundaries between dance and theatre. There will be a free post show talk after the performance. Recommended age 11+
“Ridiculously entertaining and chillingly dark… Utterly more-ish” The Herald ★ ★ ★ ★
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s
to buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
to see a video click here
Find out more »March 2018
Moonwatcher (theatre) Thurs 15th March, 7.30pm
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resented by Horse and Bamboo this is a mixed media show set in a world of cotton mill chimneys and featuring talking birds, and Asian twists and tales. We are led through a surreal landscape to witness one family’s fate on our fast spinning planet. Using film, puppetry, mask, poetry and music, Moonwatcher is based on stories of first generation immigrants from South Asia. Aimed at adults though anyone over age 9 may also enjoy it. Written and Directed by Shamshad Khan and Bob Frith with music by Arun Ghosh
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16’s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »April 2018
Little Light (family theatre at Forres Town Hall) Sun 1st April, 2pm
Little Light is a cross-cultural co-production between the wonderfully creative Vision Mechanics and Haya Cultural Centre, Jordan. The show will be staged in Forres Town Hall in a traditional Bedouin tent and uses puppetry, music and dance to tell this magical story of a small, energetic star, a lonely boy and a dog. Vision Mechanics create highly visual shows that captivate a young audience. Suitable for age 5+.
£7/£6 concs/£5 U16’s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
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May 2018
The Monster and Mary Shelley (theatre) Fri 11th May, 8pm
In June 1816, at the age of 18, having recently watched her premature baby die, Mary Shelley has a ‘waking dream’ and begins to write a story that will haunt and define her for the rest of her life.
Presented by The Occasion The Monster and Mary Shelley is an atmospheric, moving, and at times darkly comic exploration of fear. Incorporating elements of music hall, melodrama, horror and teenage rebellion with a pulsing contemporary cinematic score, the drama explores the life of Mary Shelley – the Gothic Girl who electrified the world.
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16’s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »June 2018
The Isle of Love (theatre) Sat 16th June, 8pm
The Isle of Love is a bittersweet tale of love, loss, recovery and discovery. Infused with the quirky lyrics and musical genius of Adam Ross, Randolph’s Leap, The Isle of Love explores the beauty and restorative qualities of island life and why people choose to visit, to stay, to leave and to return. Written by Euan Martin and Dave Smith from award-winning theatre company Right Lines Productions, this indie pop musical captures the feelings evoked by a Scottish Hebridean island – the good, the bad and the glorious. With laughter, tears and fabulous live music, you’re bound to fall in love with The Isle of Love!
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16’s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »October 2018
Willy Wonders Splendid Hotel (theatre) Mon 1st Oct, 1pm
This show is presented by the Eden Court CREATIVE Integrated Performance Group. Inspired by the pure imagination and characters of the Integrated Performance Group, and in homage to Roald Dahl, Willy Wonders Splendid Hotel is a journey of magic, mystery and wonder. Prepare yourself to travel through floors of trees and elves then underwater in a lift that moves sideways and backwards. You may even be one of the golden ticket holders; come and find out. Conceived by Ruby Worth who also co-directed with Amy Watt. (Show runs 1 hr) This event is part of the Findhorn Bay Festival.
£7/£5
Tickets from: www.findhornbayfestival.com T: 01309 675333
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Let’s Inherit the Earth (theatre) Wed 24th Oct, 7.30pm
Dogstar Theatre has teamed up with one of Sweden’s leading independent theatre companies, Profilteatern of Umea, to present the World Premiere of a new comedy Let’s Inherit the Earth by one of Scotland’s most original playwrights, Elgin-born Morna Pearson. Let’s Inherit the Earth is a dark, funny, absurdist take on human responses to climate change, from the arch materialist who denies it, to the prepper obsessed with getting ready for it, come hell or high water! This show went down a storm at the Edinburgh Festival this year and received a four star review from the Scotsman who described it as “… quite simply a show and a half, a bit much in all the best ways.” Read the Scotsman’s show preview here
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s
to buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »Clever Anaeet (theatre) Fri 26 Oct, 8pm at Moray Art Centre
An evening of Armenian Storytelling and Music from the Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival. Performed by singer Maryem Tollar, playing the Riqq, and storyteller Dawne McFarlane, the narrative combines with Arabic songs to transport us to the time and place of Anaeet, daughter of a shepherd. She gives a pitcher of water to a hot dusty traveller who falls in love with her. Please note that this event will be held in the Moray Art Centre and will now have an interval so please ignore the running time listed in our Good Gig Guide.
£10/£8 concs/£6 U16s
to buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »March 2019
Pied Piper (Family Theatre) Sat 30th Mar, 2pm
When the Pied Piper plays his flute the rats run, the greedy mayor rubs his hands and the children dance… Presented by Norwich Puppet Theatre this new humorous and irresistible one-person show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music and storytelling which will entrance audiences young and old. As one of England’s leading companies Norwich Puppet Theatre have been producing brilliant productions for the past 30 years. For children aged 3-7 years and their adults. Runs 45 minutes. Part of the Puppet Animation Festival 2019.
“Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Fantastic! An example of excellent touring puppet theatre.” The Guardian
£7/£6 concs/£5 child To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »April 2019
A Ladder to the Stars (family theatre) Sat 6th April, 2pm
Way up in the deep blue night sky, a twinkling star hears a little girl’s birthday wish . . . Presented by Visible Ficitons and told through a magical mix of puppetry, music, light and imagination, this is a heartfelt and humorous story of what can happen when the universe hears your dreams. For the past 25 years Visible Fictions has been creating innovative and dynamic theatrical productions for young people of all ages and their adults. For children aged 5 and under and their adults. Runs 50 mins. Part of the puppet Animation Festival 2019.
“A gift of a show for wee ones.” The Herald
£7/£6 concs/£5 child
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
To see a video trailer click here
Find out more »The Tailor Of Inverness (theatre), Sat 27 April, 8pm
Written and acted by Matthew Zajac, and based on the life of his father, this extraordinary play tells the story of the tailor’s life and his son’s discoveries about his father using music, poetry, storytelling, and video projection. It reveals the impact of war on ordinary people and families, and how a life and an identity can be reconstructed as the tailor journeys from Poland across war-torn Europe and settles in Inverness. The tailor’s life spanned most of the 20th century, and the journey he took was made by thousands of Poles during the Second World War. His was a forced migration, subject to the brutal vagaries of war. Live violin weaves its way evocatively through the piece, with traditional and original songs and tunes from Scotland, Poland and Russia.
“Matthew Zajac’s moving performance is a triumph of evocative staging and storytelling.” The Observer
£12/10 concs/8 U16’s
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
To see a video trailer click here
Find out more »May 2019
Little Top at Forres Town Hall (family theatre), Sun 19th May, 2pm
Presented by Starcatchers and SUPERFAN, Little Top is a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months and their adults. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus. Roll up for a gently thrilling performance which includes spectacular balances, astonishing tumbles and inventive juggling. Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air and anything is possible. Please note that this event will be held at Forres Town Hall.
£7/£6 concs/£5 child
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »Leah MacRae – My Big Fat Fabulous Diary (comedy) Sat 25th May 2019, 8pm
Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control this concert has been cancelled. Online ticket holders will be refunded to the card used for purchase. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.
October 2019
Outside the Box – a Live Show about Death (theatre) Wed 2nd Oct, 7.30pm
Liz Rothschild is a performer, celebrant and award-winning burial ground owner. In this one-woman show she shares her unique insights and experiences from life’s finishing line. Funny, wise and taboo busting; Outside The Box confronts the trickiest of subjects with grace and humour, using a weave of untold and surprising stories, a hint of history and some pithy commentary on the funeral industry (from one who knows!). There will be an after show discussion with Liz and Jane Duncan Rogers (author of Before I Go: The Essential Guide to Creating a Good End of Life Plan)
“… empowers us, not in a wishy washy way, but with real concrete recipes for action.” Mike Kenney, Olivier Award Winning Playwright
£10/£8 concs/£5 U16s
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
To see a video click here
Find out more »November 2019
Fallen Fruit (theatre) Wed 6th Nov, 7.30pm
Created and performed by Katherina Radeva, this is a one-woman theatre show that tells the stories of Katherina’s childhood experiences, as a 7 year old in communist Bulgaria, of the fall of the Berlin Wall back in 1989. This is a beautiful and captivating story of love, breaking free and Europe, made all the more relevant by the thirty year anniversary of the fall of the Wall and the continuing saga of Britain’s relationship to Europe.
“Compelling… a captivating performer.” The List
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s
To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »Hope and Joy (theatre) Fri 15th Nov, 8pm
A co-production between Stellar Quines and Pearlfisher, Hope and Joy is a seriously funny play that explores love and loss in a changing environment. Hope’s labour is unusual and uneggspected. But nothing fazes Joy, the hospital cleaner who supports and befriends her. When Joy is sacked for letting human-bird hybrids escape out the window, Joy moves in with Hope and her swan-boy son Magnus. Their lives collide in chaos. Recommended age 12+
£12/£10 concs/£8 U16s
To buy online tickets (10% booking fee) click here
Find out more »April 2020
The Selfish Giant (puppet theatre for families) Sun 5th April, 2.30pm
This event is now cancelled as a coronavirus prevention measure. See top of our home page.
June 2020
The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil (theatre) Fri 12th June, 7.30pm
This event is now cancelled as a coronavirus prevention measure. See top of our home page.
The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil (theatre) Sat 13th June, 7.30pm
This event is now cancelled as a coronavirus prevention measure. See top of our home page.
Find out more »July 2021
EVENT CANCELLED The Swings (free outdoor interactive event) Wed 28th July, 12 noon
Please note that ‘The Swings’ event will not be taking place. Sorry folks, but we’ve had to make the decision to cancel today, due to the current weather conditions and the forecast for the rest of the day ⛈️
‘Life was never better on a swing, the higher the better!’
Come and join All or Nothing ADT and enter their world of The Swings!
They love playing and swinging about on their giant swing set and would love you to have a go too. Watch as their aerialists swing, climb, play and perform for you.
Then the Swings are open to experience. Your swinging will activate a soundscape full of memories of being on a swing!
Performance times: 12 noon, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Please note that the slots for the public to use the swings will be allocated on a first–come-first-served queuing basis between the performances. One family/group (up to 4 people) will be allocated a swing for five minutes, then it will be wiped down before being handed on to the next group.
Limited seating will be available on the green, but we’d advise bringing along whatever you need to be comfortable (blanket, camping chairs, etc) whilst you watch the performance and wait for your turn!
Accessible swings are available but these must be booked in advance. Please email us at uhallpromo@gmail.com by Monday 26th July indicating if an adult or child accessible seat is required. These slots will be pre-booked so we will advise you of your (approximate) time slot by return email.
This event will be taking place on the green in front of the Moray Art Centre, The Park, Findhorn, IV36 3TA
Find out more »
October 2021
The Grandmothers Grimm (theatre) Wed 13th Oct, 7.30pm
Some Kind of Theatre present this critically-acclaimed production exploring women’s role in the creation of the Brothers Grimm’s famous anthology. Cannibalism, werewolf trials, deceit, and murder: Marie Hassenpflug and the Brothers Grimm are trying to edit the darkness out of old stories. But as they do so, the voices of the women who created these tales are lost… What will be saved and what will be forgotten? Discover a night of folk and fairy tales as you’ve never heard them before.
Suitable for audiences 14+
“The Grandmothers Grimm is an involving, thought-provoking and extremely enjoyable hour.” All Edinburgh Theatre
Tickets £10 Full / £8 Conc / £6 U16’s
To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
There will be no social distancing in upcoming events at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the show unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
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