We aim to bring the Theatre of Small Convenience (ToSC) back to its former glory, through sensitive restoration and improvement. We'll build on its reputation and take it on to a new ambitious chapter. We will restore and adapt the building to enable us to host the most diverse and flexible programme possible in the limited space. With the support of your funding we aim to open in 2025 with events that will benefit everyone, not only the people living in Malvern and the surrounding area but visitors and people curious to see and experience arts in this unique venue.
We will create an attraction that will have local, regional, and national notoriety making a valuable addition to the tourism offer as the smallest theatre in the world (Guinness Book of World Records 2002).
We will continue the legacy created by Dennis Neale who established this little treasure in the heart of Malvern and is known to people all over the world.
What we'll deliver:
- A new roof ,drainage improvements and damp proofing
- Restored interior with a new display system for exhibitions
- Rewire, fire and intruder alarm system
Why it's a great idea:
Everyone will benefit from ToSC reopening: we know this because we have talked to the community and connected with people via social media. ToSC will be a valued venue that offers a unique experience for people of all ages living in Malvern and beyond.
ToSC will provide a small friendly space for everyone, welcoming diversity and individuality for those who may find larger venues difficult. There is potential to make links with local groups and co-produce exhibitions, shows, and projects to widen social inclusion and community cohesion. We will seek to collaborate with the local museum and civic societies as well as other arts providers such as Malvern Cube and Feast Festival. Reviews on Trip Advisor show that the Theatre was a popular visitor attraction with an impressive national and international reputation. ToSC features in "Twenty Theatres You Should See Before You Die" by Amber Massie-Blomfield (2018). Reopening ToSC also builds on the cultural notoriety of Malvern itself.
Steps to get it done:
- Complete roof repairs
- Rewire the Theatre
- Complete a damp course
- Refurbish the interior
Malvern District Council have agreed the transfer of the Theatre to our Community Interest Company (CIC) to enable us to restore the theatre back to it's former glory. We have done this in consultation with Dennis Neale, ToSC's founder and want to keep the original vision at the heart of everything we do. We are a new organisation and have been working in the background to get to this point. We anticipate all the paperwork will be complete by the end of the year ready for us to start work in the New Year, when we will take out public liability insurance and all the necessary licenses and paperwork to move the project forward.
