‘A strangely magical place’: how the world’s smallest theatre made its community-led comeback

Loz Samuels, creative director of the Theatre of Small Convenience, believes that in the digital age it is ‘really important’ to keep places like this alive. Photograph: Sam Frost/The Guardian

Perched on a sign above a tiny stage draped with red velvet curtains are the Latin words “Multum in parvo”. Meaning “much in little”, it has become the motto of this minuscule establishment in the Worcestershire town of Malvern.

This is the world’s smallest commercial theatre with room for 12 people – or 16 with some standing – that has been brought back to life by local residents after falling into disrepair and at risk of demolition.