THE owner of the world’s smallest theatre is hoping a new show paves the way to a brighter future after a troubled year.

Dennis Neale, who founded The Theatre of Small Convenience, in Edith Walk, Malvern, feared for its future last year after thieves stole lead from the roof while he recovered from throat cancer.

Mr Neale carried out much of the repair work himself, which saw a fibre glass roof fitted to seal the building from the elements and save the ceiling, and has recently been given the all-clear over his health.

He said: “I am hoping for a good season because we need to recover.

“It was touch and go whether we survived or not.

“I am feeling stronger now and I feel I can commit to it again.”

The new show, Fat Cat and the Yellow Cello, will be performed on demand on Saturday afternoons from 1pm to 5pm and it features live action, recorded narration and local musician Paul White has once again provided the soundtrack.

Mr Neale describes it as a “zany and quirky” take on modern times and being suitable for children aged four and over, with a fine line in satire to appeal to parents and adults in general.

Housed in a former Victorian gentleman’s toilet since November 1999, the intriguing theatre was entered in the Guinness Book of Records in 2002.

Entry is charged at £2.50 for adults and £1.50.

For more information, call Mr Neale on 01684 568933 or go to wctheatre.co.uk.