The world’s smallest theatre which almost burnt down before falling into a state of disrepair is set for a big re-opening.<br /><br />The Theatre of Convenience – a former gents’ toilets – is only big enough for 12 people and has a tiny 1.5m (4.9ft) stage.<br /><br />It opened in Malvern, Worcs., in 1997 and was officially named the world’s smallest commercial theatre by Guinness Book of World Records in 2002. <br /><br />Original owner Dennis Neale showcased comedy productions and performed his own puppet shows in the theatre for two decades.<br /><br />The tiny theatre measures just 5.23m (17ft) long and 2.8m (9.1ft) wide at its widest point.<br /><br />After he retired in 2017 it passed into the hands of a college drama department but a fire started by a faulty dehumidifier caused extensive smoke damage.<br /><br />The building fell into a state of disrepair but it is now set to enjoy an encore after a group of theatre fans took it over.<br /><br />Friends Loz Samuels, Dibah Farooqui and Dr Jan Birtle are in the process of taking ownership of the theatre full time.<br /><br />Malvern Hills District Council has agreed to pass the theatre to the trio through a council asset transfer.<br /><br />The group are hoping to raise £25,000 to carry out urgent repairs to the building including fixing the leaking roof and completely rewiring the electrics.
