Celebrations for Soham's Viva Arts and Community Group

A group of 250 members, Trustees, presidents, patrons, dignitaries, industry celebrities and supporters, gathered at the recently renovated St Mary’s Church in Ely.

The event was attended by Viva president, actor Mike Fenton Stevens, Viva life vice-president Gordon Smart, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire Jennifer Crompton and Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence.

Members and volunteers were recognised for their talent both on and off stage.

On the night, 28 awards were presented, including leading actor Richard Dodd and actress Sam Dodd for their roles as Morecambe and Shirley Valentine.

Oliver Squires and Donna Kitching were also singled out for their roles in Sense and Sensibility. Best supporting actor went to Michael Heslop for his excellent versatile performances in Shrek, We Will Rock You and Calendar Girls.

Talented musicianship and dance were also celebrated with awards going to Joseph Hall and Elisha Cardwell. Backstage heroes were awarded for ensuring young people are professionally chaperoned (Sarah Chipendo) and costume designer, wardrobe mistress and tailor Brenda Rose picked up an award.

"We celebrated all the talent that is Viva Arts and Community Group, and in the words of our chair, Dan Schumann, 'everyone involved in Viva is a winner'," said Bev Cruxon-Lewis, charity operations and theatre xo-ordinator for Viva.

"The group gave thanks to all those who supported the renovation of Spencer Mill, to provide an incredible community theatre and home to Viva Arts and Community Group in Soham, which officially opened to a packed audience every night, with the production of We Will Rock You, less than a year ago.

"The group continues to thrive with an ever growing membership developing the talents of youth and adults from around the area.

To find out more about Viva Arts and Community Group, including upcoming productions, visit: www.viva-group.org.uk

Tel: 01353 722228. Email: info@viva-group.org.uk