Malvern's Theatre of Small Convenience Revived by New Owner

The Theatre of Small Convenience, located in Malvern, Worcestershire, is set to be revived by a new owner, Jan Birtle, a retired senior doctor. This unique venue, which is recognized as the world's smallest commercial theatre, has been closed since 2017 when its original owner retired. Birtle aims to attract a diverse audience, particularly those who may find traditional theatres intimidating due to size or cost. She envisions a space that offers affordable and intimate performances, including puppet shows and spoken word events. Birtle, along with a small team of volunteers, is working to reopen the theatre next year. She describes the venue as "absolutely gorgeous" and believes its compact size fosters a unique connection between performers and the audience. The theatre measures just 5m by 3m, allowing for only 12 seats, which enhances the intimate experience. Despite the challenges of securing grants and navigating the paperwork for the venue, Birtle remains optimistic about the theatre's future. She acknowledges that generating revenue will be difficult due to the limited audience capacity but believes that the low maintenance and staffing costs will help sustain operations. Local councillor John Gallagher has expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the positive impact the theatre could have on the community. The revival of this small theatre is seen as a significant achievement, with hopes that it will bring cultural enrichment and accessibility to the area.