The History of Theatre Digs: Unique and Time Honoured Accommodation
For many theatre, film and TV professionals, finding affordable accommodation can be a challenge. Fortunately, theatre digs have long been a solution for those seeking affordable accommodation while on tour with a theatre show, or on location with a film or TV production. But where did this tradition of theatre digs come from? In this post, we’ll explore the rich history of theatre digs, from their humble beginnings to their resurgence today.
The Origins of Theatre Digs
The need for lodging for travelling actors dates back to the early days of theatre. In the 16th and 17th centuries, actors often stayed with local families or in inns and taverns while on tour. These lodgings were often cramped and uncomfortable, but they provided a necessary respite from the rigors of the road.
As theatre touring became more prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries, the demand for affordable accommodation increased. Boarding houses and lodging houses became a popular form of accommodation for travelling actors, providing a more comfortable and stable option than staying with local families or inns.
The usage of the term “Theatre Digs” refers to temporary accommodation, generally frequented by touring theatre professionals such as actors, musicians and technical staff, and often consisting of spare bedrooms in a homeowner’s property, where the guest shares the facilities of the house with the owner and any other guests at the property. The term in its current form first appeared in an issue of The Stage in 1893.
Many hosts used to also have a guest book and no doubt have messages and autographs from actors who went on to be stars!
Just as a little side note, If you fancy having a look at a particularly intriguing guest book, you should visit arthurlloyd.co.uk where you can leaf through the pages of the Bulwell Olympia Guestbook, a house frequented by almost every artiste who appeared at the Bulwell Olympia Theatre between 1949 and 1952. The book is packed full of personal messages, photos, and drawings, and on the front page of the guestbook there is an introductory message to visitors, written in verse, in the hope that guests would reply in a similar fashion if they enjoyed their stay there, which they did!
The Heyday of Theatre Digs
In the mid-20th century, theatre digs reached the height of their popularity. Touring companies and repertory theatres were the lifeblood of the theatre industry, and these companies often relied on theatre digs to provide affordable and convenient housing for their actors.
The unique character of theatre digs also played a role in their popularity. Hosts often welcomed actors into their homes as if they were family, providing a sense of community and camaraderie that was hard to find elsewhere. Many famous actors and actresses have stayed in theatre digs, including Sir John Gielgud, Dame Judi Dench, and Laurence Olivier.
The Decline of Theatre Digs
In the late 20th century, theatre digs began to decline in popularity. The rise of commercial theatre and the decline of touring companies and repertory theatres meant that there was less demand for touring accommodation for travelling actors.
The increased availability of other forms of accommodation, such as hotels and short-term rentals, also contributed to the decline of theatre digs. However, despite this decline, many theatre professionals continued to value the unique character and sense of community that theatre digs provided.
The Digs List
Traditionally, theatres themselves would keep a physical “Digs List” containing contact details of local homeowners or guest house proprietors. Often these hosts would be friends of the theatre in some way, perhaps having had experience working in the industry themselves. Touring production staff would then contact stage door ahead of their arrival and obtain the list in order to book lodgings.
However, with the rise of the internet and mobile technology, the time and effort required on behalf of theatre staff to maintain a digs list, and changes in Data Protection requirements over the years, this method of collating and finding accommodation in the theatre industry is now outdated with many theatres having already abandoned digs lists completely. The modern theatre digs guest is now increasingly looking online to meet their accommodation needs.
That brings us to the 21st century and our next topic!
The Resurgence of Theatre Digs
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in theatre digs. Organisations such as Showdigs.co.uk have played a key role in promoting the benefits of theatre digs accommodation and connecting hosts with touring entertainment professionals.
The potential of theatre digs to help address the current cost of living crisis has also contributed to their resurgence. By providing affordable and convenient housing options for theatre professionals, theatre digs hosts can help support the entertainment industry and its workers.
Successful theatre digs hosts have found that hosting can be a rewarding experience. Not only do hosts get to meet new people and make a difference in the lives of theatre professionals, but they can also earn extra income and enjoy the flexibility of hosting on their own terms.
Conclusion
The history of theatre digs is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the theatre industry. From the early days of cramped and uncomfortable lodgings to the heyday of theatre digs in the mid-20th century, theatre digs accommodations have played an important role in supporting the industry and fostering a sense of community among theatre professionals.
Today, theatre digs hosts continue to provide a valuable service for those seeking affordable and convenient housing options while on the road for a show or production. By becoming a theatre digs host or supporting the theatre digs movement in other ways, you can help support the theatre community and foster a sense of community among its professionals.
By Showdigs
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