Viva Arts and Community Group, Soham, are thrilled to announce that the new Viva Theatre (the permanent home to Viva Arts and its activities) had its official opening on 12^th April 2023.

Viva was honoured to have the venue officially opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG GCVO at a lunch time ceremony attended by 150 guests including funders, trustees, supporters, and Viva members who presented a 20 min show to a delighted audience. The biggest cheer, however, came when His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. Before doing so he told the younger members on stage, “Unveiling a plaque is not the most exciting thing in the world… but I want you to pretend it is, make some noise!” Everyone obliged with rapturous applause of course.

Dan Schumann, founder of Viva Arts and Community Group, said…

“It was a huge honour for Viva to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and it was so special to have him officially open our wonderful new theatre, which is already making a huge contribution to the community. “

In his opening speech Dan mentioned that “Viva’s vision was first and foremost about being a family rooted in its community. Providing fun and friendship whilst engaging in the arts and not necessarily about creating professional performers and practitioners but amazingly every single current West End musical involves a Viva alumnus either on stage or behind the scenes.”