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Perched on a sign above a tiny stage draped with red velvet curtains are the Latin words “Multum in parvo”. Meaning “much in little”, it has become the motto of this minuscule establishment in the Worcestershire town of Malvern.
This is the world’s smallest commercial theatre with room for 12 people – or 16 with some standing – that has been brought back to life by local residents after falling into disrepair and at risk of demolition.
Called the Theatre of Small Convenience, it was once a Victorian toilet and measures just 10 sq metres – the stage itself is a snug 1.5 metres.
“Places like this are so rare now,” said Loz Samuels, the theatre’s creative director and co-founder of the community interest company which runs it.
“People’s experience of culture and entertainment is so digital and different to what it was. Places where you can come in and it’s so intimate and it’s really special – it’s really important to keep it alive.”
The theatre was created in 1997 by Dennis Neale, described as a local legend and eccentric performer who spent 19 years putting on puppetry shows in the space that captivated local children.
In its heyday it was a much-loved and unique claim to fame for Malvern, with the theatre entering the Guinness World Records in 2002.
But after Neale’s retirement in 2017, the building fell into disrepair and was badly damaged by a fire caused by a dehumidifier. With a destroyed roof, damp floor and damaged walls, local residents began to fear it would be lost for ever, especially with talk of a development next door.
“The fire really damaged the roof, so water got in and the integrity of the building was really vulnerable. It was quite a major renovation,” said Samuels.
Along with local volunteers Jan Birtle and Dibah Farooqui, they acquired the building from the council and raised £17,000 from the local community to help get the renovation off the ground.
“It needs replastering, it needed rewiring, it needed a new floor, it needed underfloor heating. There’s obviously no room for heaters,” Samuels said. “We’ve still got the world record, but because we’ve had the plastering and the damp proofing, if there’s another contender we’ve got another couple of inches up our sleeve. Only a tad, but it all counts.”
The theatre’s deep blue walls are adorned with a vivid gold constellation – with stars “sponsored” by local residents – while intricate wooden carvings frame the stage.
The challenge hasn’t been plain sailing, and Samuels has fears for the long-term future of the theatre. The team were recently rejected for Arts Council funding, and admit that with just 12 seats, making the space financially viable will take some creative thinking.
Set to open its doors in October, the theatre’s first show is Sceptre, a seance-themed immersive show designed specifically for the space. There are plans for a Narnia-style Christmas grotto and even weddings in the future.
“It is a challenge to find work that fits in here,” she said. “But I feel like the building creates opportunities, you’ve just got to be imaginative. You can make real sensory experiences because you can control the light. As soon as you step foot in here, you forget the world outside, you could be anywhere.”
Neale, who still lives locally, has also given the project his blessing and recorded a message that will be played at the start of future performances.
“I think what he did is so quintessentially English and so special,” Samuels said. “He’s really happy, although I think at first he was a bit like, who is this crazy woman who’s suddenly really determined to save the theatre, why would you do that?
“I don’t think he could understand why anybody would think it was so important to save.”
Samuels is urging performers and artists with original ideas for the space to come forward, and despite some nervousness, is optimistic for the future of the venue.
“I feel like it’s a strangely magical place and I just believe that the universe will look after it somehow,” she said.
