AN appeal for someone to take over the running of the world's smallest theatre, in Malvern, has prompted considerable interest.

We have reported how Dennis Neale, who runs the Theatre of Small Convenience, in Edith Walk, has written to Malvern Hills District Council giving up his lease on the premises.

Mr Neale, who opened the theatre – situated in a former Victorian gentleman's toilet – in 1999 says he is giving up the lease for health reasons and to pursue other interests.

He said he understands there have been several enquiries made to the council about taking over the theatre.

He also said he wanted to clarify that, although the building will require renovation work in the future, it is still fit for use as a theatre at present.

"You could take it over and use it as a theatre tomorrow," he said. "There have been lots of enquiries and people seem very keen to keep it going."