Sleep no more: how can touring theatre fix the actors’ digs crisis?

Long ReadsDec 18, 2025

Novel solutions to the digs crisis: tents in a field; Alfie Gidley's van life; Manhattan Plaza, which offers subsided rental accommodation for artists. Photos: Shutterstock/Michael Bednarek via Wikicommons (Plaza)

Novel solutions to the digs crisis: tents in a field; Alfie Gidley's van life; Manhattan Plaza, which offers subsided rental accommodation for artists. Photos: Shutterstock/Michael Bednarek via Wikicommons (Plaza)

Holly O’Mahony investigates the current state of accommodation for touring companies and looks at some of the innovative solutions being pioneered

THIS IS NOT A PAYWALL

Serious about theatre?
Join over 100,000 theatremakers who rely on The Stage for trusted news, reviews, and insight.

🔓 Sign in below or create a free account to read 5 free articles.

Want to support independent theatre journalism? Subscribe from just £7.99 and unlock:

🗞️ Unlimited access to award-winning theatre journalism

⭐ 1000+ reviews from across the UK

📧 Breaking news and daily newsletters

💡Insight and opinion from writers including Lyn Gardner & Amanda Parker

🎟️Discounts and early access to The Stage’s events

Or, why not try a subscription for just 99p?

More on this topic

Ayr Gaiety appoints Laila Noble in new role of creative director

Ayr Gaiety appoints Laila Noble in new role of creative director

News by Matthew Hemley

Theatres will shed jobs without business rates support – SOLT boss

Theatres will shed jobs without business rates support – SOLT boss

News by Katie Chambers

Tring Park hires Andrew McGarva as principal

Tring Park hires Andrew McGarva as principal

Appointments by Matthew Hemley

SOLT backs calls for improved transport to make London a ‘24-hour city’

SOLT backs calls for improved transport to make London a ‘24-hour city’

News by Katie Chambers

Recommended for you

Ayr Gaiety appoints Laila Noble in new role of creative director

Ayr Gaiety appoints Laila Noble in new role of creative director

News by Matthew Hemley

Theatres will shed jobs without business rates support – SOLT boss

Theatres will shed jobs without business rates support – SOLT boss

News by Katie Chambers

Tring Park hires Andrew McGarva as principal

Tring Park hires Andrew McGarva as principal

Appointments by Matthew Hemley

SOLT backs calls for improved transport to make London a ‘24-hour city’

SOLT backs calls for improved transport to make London a ‘24-hour city’

News by Katie Chambers

Opinion

The current representation system is treating actors as disposable

The current representation system is treating actors as disposable

by Ricardo P Lloyd

We need to address the risks of using amplification in theatres

We need to address the risks of using amplification in theatres

by Amanda Parker

Immersive theatre: 12 legal factors to consider

Immersive theatre: 12 legal factors to consider

by Irving David

Is the latest culture funding announcement a case of emperor's new clothes?

Is the latest culture funding announcement a case of emperor's new clothes?

by Amanda Parker

Most Read

Across The Stage this week

Cate Blanchett and Sandra Oh lined up for National Theatre 2026 season

Producer Paul Elliott dies aged 84

Shakespeare was black writer Emilia Bassano, new book claims

We need to address the risks of using amplification in theatres

BBC’s The Traitors to be developed into stage show

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to become one-part show in West End

Anti-political playwriting competition serves as a warning

Our Town review

RSC ‘not adequately addressing’ fears about music department axeing – campaigners

Hampstead hires director Alice Hamilton in new head of artistic development role

Your subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue

Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99

Magazine

Opinion & Advice

The Stage Interview

My Favourite Play

More

Get Into Theatre

Info

Advertising Enquiries

Awards

The Stage Awards

The Stage Debut Awards

The British Audio Awards

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Advertising Terms & Conditions

Contributor Agreement

Digital

Digital Editions

Subscribe

Subscribe

Start a subscription today from just £7.99 Subscribe

© Copyright The Stage Media Company Limited 2026