Caption
This panorama could have easily fitted into either this "Future" event or the "20 Years" event as I had previously visited here in 2009 as part of the "Performing Arts" event. Unfortunately over that past 15 years the theatre's fortunes have changed with a recent announcement hopefully putting a more positive spin on things.
In 2017 there was a big change for the theatre when Dennis Neale retired and without him at the helm it closed. The building itself is owned by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) and after its closure it was leased to Warwickshire College Group until 2022. In 2021 the building experienced a small fire caused by a dehumidifier. Luckily the damage was soon cleaned up and the building made safe again.
Jumping forward to December 2023 and MHDC put out a call for a new owner to help bring the building back to its former glory but would anyone come forward? Well in September this year we had an answer, it was YES! This time instead of everything sitting on one persons shoulders, Jan Birtle now leads a small group of people wanting to return shows to this wonderful building and is hoping to re-open to the public next year.
My original 2009 panorama
Guests invited to farewell party at Theatre of Small Convenience in Malvern
World-record breaking theatre in Great Malvern in need of new owner
Future secured for theatre based in former toilet