GUESTS are being invited to bid a fond farewell to a quirky Malvern venue which is shutting this month.

A party will be held at the Theatre of Small Convenience on Saturday, February 25, for fans and friends to say goodbye to the unique attraction – which is situated in a former Victorian gentleman's lavatory.

Dennis Neale, who started the theatre nearly two decades ago, gave up the lease on the Edith Walk venue and says its closure marks the "end of an era".

The party will be held between 11am and 4pm and there will be cake and a chance to take pictures on the theatre's stage.

Mr Neale said: "It is the last opportunity to say goodbye to people. I want to say thank you for all their support over the years.

"When we started we had no money, people donated stuff –they were all really patient. People have supported it all along."

Once the theatre shuts on Saturday, Mr Neale hopes residents will maintain the artwork-adorned trellis which stands outside the venue.

Earlier this month, Mr Neale said he understood several enquiries had been made to Malvern Hills District Council about taking over the theatre.

"I have mixed feelings really because we do not know what is going to happen to it yet," he said. "It is just coming to a natural end.

"I do hope it will carry on as a theatre."

The theatre 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.