ONE of Malvern's quirkiest venues is facing closure as the man who created it opts to pursue other interests.

Performer Dennis Neale has written to Malvern Hills District Council giving up his lease on the Theatre of Small Convenience in Edith Walk, which he created almost two decades ago.

The theatre, situated in a former Victorian gentleman's lavatory, opened in 1999, and a few years later it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest theatre.

In 2014, it was awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence after glowing accolades from users of the tourism website.

Mr Neale said he had taken the decision to quit the theatre for health reasons. He said: "But I don't want people to think that means I'm dying."

Over the years, Mr Neale has created numerous shows for the theatre, which seats just 12 spectators.

"I've run it for 18 years and I just think it's time for me to give it up. I would love to see it continue as a theatre and I really hope the council can find someone to take it over like that."

Mr Neale has left the proscenium arch and most of the theatre's other fittings as a gesture of goodwill in the event that a new theatrical tenant is found for the building.

"But if there isn't, I hope the council will notify me so that I can remove the fittings; I don't want to see them end up in a skip," he said.

He also said that the building will require renovation work, as damp and mould is coming in from the adjacent building, which has been empty for several years.

He said any future tenants will have to find a new name for the venue, as he owns the name Theatre of Small Convenience, which he also uses for his website, where he plans to pursue other artistic interests, including animation.

Simon Smith, economic development manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We’re sorry to hear this news. The Theatre of Small Convenience has helped put Malvern on the map, both nationally and internationally with its world record status and it will be a loss to the town. It’s a huge shame but Dennis has brought a lot of joy to many people over the years and we wish him well for the future.”