Bringing back to life:
The Theatre of Small Convenience (ToSC), Malvern
The Theatre of Small Convenience entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2002 as the world’s smallest theatre. Created by Great Malvern artist and puppet maker Dennis Neale, this labour of love began in 1997 with a junk shop to raise funds for converting the Victorian gentlemen’s toilet on Edith Walk into a theatre. Leasing the building from Malvern Hills District Council, Dennis finally opened the theatre in 1999, presenting his first show.
The Theatre quickly became a local legend, attracting media coverage, rave reviews on TripAdvisor, and a spot in books, including 20 Theatres You Should See Before You Die by Amber Massie-Blomfield. Dennis crafted a unique venue, delighting audiences with his short performances and hosting guest artists until 2017, when illness forced him to stop.
In 2018, the theatre was leased to Warwickshire College Group, intending to use it for arts courses. However, activity was limited, and their tenure ended when a dehumidifier fire caused interior damage. The theatre then remained closed during the pandemic.
In 2023, Layla Glantz and Sean Prentice stepped in to revive the theatre, soon bringing Loz Samuels on board. After a few months, Layla and Sean realised they couldn’t manage the project, and Loz, left with a decision, soon gained support from Dibah Farrooqui and Dr. Jan Birtle. Together, these three women formed a strong team to bring the theatre back to life.
In response to calls for interest in purchasing the building, Malvern Hills District Council unanimously agreed to transfer ownership to the newly formed Theatre of Small Convenience (ToSC) CIC on 17th September 2024, pending a covenant to preserve it as a community asset.
The theatre, however, is in poor condition, requiring major refurbishment before it can reopen. The group has applied for funding, receiving £2,500 from Malvern Town Council, and launched a crowdfunding campaign on Spacehive, nearing their target but still needing support.
Jan Birtle said, “We want to start work as soon as we get the keys. We know people love this theatre, and we want to get it open as soon as possible.”
With repair costs estimated at up to £25,000, the venue needs structural repairs due to fire damage, a new roof, rewiring, damp-proofing, and extensive cosmetic restoration.
Dibah Farrooqui expressed gratitude for the local community’s offers to help clean and prepare the building, noting that they would need many more hands to run it as a venue. If you can help by making a donation online.