A report analysing the inaugural year of the UK's first Shop Front Theatre has been published by researchers at Coventry University.

Inspired by a visit to Chicago and its 'store front theatre', Coventry's Theatre Absolute approached the City Council and put the case to them for having a theatre in the City Arcade which would help to make use of empty shop units. 

The Shop Front Theatre was launched a year ago in  38 City Arcade (the old 'Fishy Moores) and from being a fish and chip shop it was turned into  a space for theatre performances, readings and workshops right  in the a heart of the city.

In this assessment of the first year of operation the report's authors, Christine Hamilton and Geoff Willcocks, found that the modest investment in cash from the Coventry City Council and a big commitment from Council staff, the Shop Front Theatre was established very quickly and presents a new model for supporting theatre in times of cuts, as well as offering an answer to creating a buzz in a city centre.

The report also includes information on the range of activities taking place and audience reaction to the performances. It also looks at how moving from a mainly touring company to a theatre with a base, Theatre Absolute has been able to develop new types of work. 

While the authors acknowledge that it is too soon to say that this one initiative can transform the footfall in the City Arcade, it suggests that, alongside other similar initiatives, Coventry is proving a model of what is possible.  

Geoff Wilcocks, one of the co-authors of the report said:

"The Shop Front Theatre offers a model, not only for theatre makers, but also for city planners who are trying to find new ways of securing the future of our city centre as vibrant and attractive places to visit."

Chris O'Connell, Artistic Director and writer, Theatre Absolute commented: 

"The Shop Front Theatre has been an exciting journey for us and a unique learning curve. This report underlines the successes of the initiative so far and comes at an important time when arts organisations and individuals face a difficult period of change, and the City Council assesses the future of its empty shops policy."

Christine Hamilton, the co-author of the reported concluded:

"This is an interim report. We want to undertake a more in-depth study once the 18-month lease is up. The lesson for our times is that a new model of 'austerity theatre' put together with volunteer support and donated chairs, can, and does, produce as gripping theatre as the more established venues which have enjoyed substantial investment over the last decade."

For more information about Coventry University, please visit their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk