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13.
June
2018.
Theatre professionals: how to find a home from home when away on tour

 

Press Release

13 June 2018

THEATRE DIGS BOOKER -

HOW TO FIND A HOME FROM HOME WHEN AWAY ON TOUR

 

Innovative online booking platform TheatreDigsBooker will join hundreds of industry professionals at this year's UK Theatre Touring Symposium in London on 18thJune.

Founded in 2010, TheatreDigsBooker brings together hosts and guests via its website which harnesses latest technology in booking software to offer the easiest possible experience for travelling performers or crew looking for digs, and the homeowners that host them.

Figures released by UK Theatre at last year's Symposium indicate that touring shows accounted for 60% of total box office income across the UK in 2016, generating over half of the total value of theatre ticket sales in that year. Musicals make up the lion's share of productions on the road at any given time. And whilst average cast sizes have certainly declined since the heady days of the 1950s, nearly a third of musicals still rely on over 30 cast members, who all need overnight accommodation.

With the standard touring allowance currently set at £250, that accommodation needs to be reasonably priced, preferably within walking distance of the theatre as well as offering the home comforts of a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. The properties listed on TheatreDigsBooker meet all of these requirements, often exceeding them as reviews from past guests attached to each listing testify. Photos, precise location maps and written descriptions all help guests to make a fully informed choice ahead of booking.

Guests can search and book online 24/7 and confirm with just a 10% online deposit leaving the balance payable directly to the host on arrival.

Over 110,000 bed nights were booked via the platform in 2017, and TheatreDigsBooker has ambitious plans to increase this figure over the coming years by working with independent hosts and theatres to entirely supersede archaic paper digs lists by offering a fully-supported alternative.

Founder Phil Barley, himself a professional actor, said: "Cast members in touring productions are expected to turn in a show-stopping performance night after night, with little consideration for their physical or mental welfare after the curtain comes down. TheatreDigsBooker helps to look after these essentials for touring performers by offering a quick and easy way to secure good quality, affordable accommodation. We are looking forward to attending the UK Theatre Touring Symposium, which provides an ideal opportunity to further develop the conversation about improving standards for all cast and crew involved in touring productions."

 

-Ends-

 

Images - available on request:

  1. Phil Barley, founder of TheatreDigsBooker
  2. Screenshot of TheatreDigsBooker website as seen on mobile devices

Notes to Editors

TheatreDigsBooker was created in 2010 to provide easy access to affordable, flexible, reliable andtrustworthy accommodationfor touring performers and crew. Available for booking exclusively bytheatre professionals, more than 3,400 listings offerdigs across the UKincludingrooms within host's homes, self-contained units, B&Bs and guesthouses.

Fully supported by a head office team based in Matlock, Derbyshire and enhanced by peer reviews of both hosts and guests, the online booking platformis growingfrom strength to strength with more than110,000bed nights booked via TheatreDigsBooker in 2017.

 

Contact

For further information, or to arrange an interview with Phil, please contact Laura Marfell-Williams, 01603 219191 / 07769 572 318 /laura@reflectionpr.co.uk