About Us
Viva is a place for creativity, inclusivity, ambition, excellence, fun and great entertainment!
For over 20 years, Viva has focused on cultural outreach, award-winning multi-generational theatre productions, arts engagement and heritage projects.
We create exciting arts, cultural & community based opportunities for the local community to participate, learn, achieve & enjoy.
Our History
Established in 1997 by Soham resident Daniel Schumann, Viva began life as a small youth theatre run by a team of volunteers.
Viva’s first project was a performance of Bugsy Malone, which played to an audience of 400 at Beechhurst Hall, Soham Village College. The show was a big hit and, with more and more children joining, Viva was able to expand and take on bigger and more ambitious productions.
In 2018, Viva purchased Spencer Mill in Soham and embarked on a large capital project to restore the decaying building and create a permanent home for Viva and a centre for arts, cultural and community activity for the area.
In 2020, Viva was forced to suspend activities and close the Charity Shop, following restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19. After a pause, work continued on the Mill renovation and Viva refurbished a new retail premises at 14 Churchgate Street, Soham where it now houses The Viva Shop and Café, and the Viva Office. Viva are currently looking forward to resuming their activities post-lockdown at The Viva Theatre, Spencer Drove, Mereside, Soham.
