Future secured for tiny Malvern theatre based in former toilet

The theatre gained a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, external in 2002 as the world’s smallest commercial theatre.

It is just 5m (16ft) long and 3m (10ft) wide and Dr Birtle describes it as “absolutely gorgeous”.

The former psychiatrist said she believed the premises allowed a unique connection with the audience, adding: “You’re really face to face with them and that’s just fantastic. I think you get that intimacy.”

She said the paperwork involved in taking over the building had been a challenge and her team was still working to secure grants.

Dr Birtle explained that making money would be difficult with such a small audience, but she said the cost of maintaining and staffing the theatre was likely to be low.

John Gallagher, the Malvern Hills district councillor who led a 10-month search to get the theatre reopened, said: “It’s an achievement isn’t it? If we can bring this back to life, what a difference that will make for the community.”

He added: “If anybody’s going to make a success of it, this team will make a success of it.”