Never mind A Bedfull of Foreigners (and that incorrect second ‘l’, by the way, is present in the title). The double beds on stage at the Mill could so easily be full of theatre patrons. A pair of them stand at the ready, covers drawn back — ideal for a post-prandial zizz for those of us used to such a luxury, and especially, as here, after a spiffing festive meal of turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies.

But temptation must be resisted, for those beds are soon to become very necessary props as fast and furious fun begins in Dave Freeman’s classic 1970s farce. Post-luncheon languor soon evaporated for us (we were at Sunday’s matinée) amid all the madcap silliness of the piece.

The setting is a decaying French hotel (well presented in Tony Eden’s design) in the charge of lecherous owner Heinz (Mark Elstob). Its deficiencies are such as to make Fawlty Towers seem positively Ritzlike, despite the efforts of maintenance man-cum-head porter Karak (Patrick Monckton). His country of origin — Hungary? Mexico? Lapland? — becomes a running joke, even as he is hilariously transformed into that familiar figure in farce, the all-seeing Mr Fixit happy to stay silent, at a price.

The family room of this insalubrious establishment is occupied first by travelling Brits Stanley and Brenda Parker (Eric Carte and Belinda Carroll), but — of course — soon comes to be double booked.

First on the scene is the strapping Helga Philby (Elizabeth Elvin, with risible German accent) who has motored from nearby Heidelberg to join her English diplomat husband Claude (Martyn Stanbridge) on his birthday. She tried to let him know she was coming but missed him at the office. The mobile? Not in 1974. Here is a production in which director David Warwick has had to maintain the period setting to ensure credibility (of a sort!).

Unaware of the presence of his wife, Claude has recruited company, in the shapely form of cabaret artiste (for which read stripper) Simone (Michelle Morris). This lovely lady in (and out of) her thigh-hugging, black patent leather boots is soon enlivening the lives of all around her . . .

While its later scenes are not as continuously rib-tickling as those at the start, this well-acted play remains a hoot to the end, and is guaranteed to keep us laughing through Christmas. Don’t miss.

A Bedfull of Foreigners continues until January 15. Box office 0118 969 8000 (www.millatsonning.com).