In 2009, Theatre Absolute founded the UK's only professional Shop Front Theatre in a disused fish and chip shop, in Coventry city centre. Theatre Absolute make exciting new contemporary plays for the stage, and in doing so aim to create accessible and relevant theatre, and encourage the appreciation and practice of the arts. We strive to increase access to the arts, in particular through our associated participatory performance, literacy and educational activities delivered for the public for all ages.

We play a vital part in the arts in Coventry. We identified a need for a high quality professional theatre experience in Coventry at an affordable price, with direct and diverse access for the public. In 2009, we secured our space in a disused fish and chip shop at 38 City Arcade in partnership with Coventry City Council. Our theatre work and creative writing gyms are regularly sold out, our intern placements are unique and practical.

We have adapted our work since the start of Covid-19, having lost a large chunk of our regular income while our doors are closed. We have moved our core work online where possible, continuing to support local artists through our Theatre Labs, maintaining our relationship with writers through our City Voices programme and our Writing Gyms, and supporting young people through a series of mentoring sessions. These programmes of work will also help to form part of our recovery.