The Duke of Edinburgh becomes Patron of theatre group in Soham
As Patron, The Duke of Edinburgh will lend his support to Viva Arts and Community Group
Last updated 29th Mar 2026
In an exciting development for the arts community in Soham, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has accepted the role of Patron for Viva Arts and Community Group.
Since inaugurating The Viva Theatre in 2023, The Duke has shown a vested interest in the organisation’s mission to offer creative opportunities to individuals across all ages and backgrounds.
As Patron, The Duke of Edinburgh will lend his support to Viva Arts and Community Group in its efforts to foster inclusivity and creativity through arts initiatives. His commitment to advancing young people, community projects, and the performing arts aligns with Viva's objectives of making cultural activities accessible throughout the region.
Daniel Schumann MBE DL, Founder of Viva Arts and Chair of Trustees, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has agreed to become Patron of Viva Arts and Community Group. His visit to open our theatre in 2023 meant an enormous amount to our organisation, our volunteers and the wider community in Soham. The Duke showed a genuine interest in our work and in the difference that the arts can make to people’s lives.
To be able to continue that relationship through his Patronage is incredibly special for us, and announcing this on World Theatre Day feels particularly fitting. It is a wonderful endorsement of the work our team and volunteers do to make the arts accessible to everyone.”
Offering his support to Viva Arts, HM Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence OBE CstJ QPM, added:
“I have been privileged to see first-hand the extraordinary impact that Viva Arts and Community Group has had on the community in Soham and across Cambridgeshire. The organisation has created a welcoming and inspiring cultural hub where people of all ages can experience the transformative power of the arts.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Patronage is a wonderful recognition of the important work Viva is doing, and I know it will inspire the organisation to continue growing and reaching even more people in the years ahead.”
Viva Arts and Community Group remains committed to delivering diverse creative opportunities that include theatre productions, workshops, and educational programmes aimed at inspiring confidence and creativity.
With The Duke's support, the charity hopes to expand its reach, further strengthening The Viva Theatre as a vibrant cultural hub for the local region.