Take your seat early for One Man, Two Guvnors, so you can enjoy the pre-show from skiffle band The Craze! The music of 1963 permeates this production, with instruments wheeled on to cover every scene change: the chorus of car horns is a madcap highlight.

Gavin Spokes perspires profusely as easily-confused protagonist Francis Henshall, wedged into a tight suit and tumbling over furniture while attempting to satisfy two demanding bosses.

The rest of the cast elevate their stock characters, particularly Emma Barton’s forthright Dolly, Edward Hancock as posturing actor Alan Dangle, and Patrick Warner’s hapless twit Stanley Stubbers. Michael Dylan shines as doddering waiter Alfie, his energy levels ramped up by unscrupulous adjustments to his pacemaker.

The magnificent first half combines farcical set pieces with split-second timing and spontaneous improvisation involving the audience: the first three rows are considered fair game. The second half, while still full of laughs, has less anarchic frenzy.

Poppy Hall’s period costumes add characterisation, and Mark Thompson’s detailed sets delight (particularly Brighton's Palace Pier, complete with a beady-eyed seagull).

The star-crossed lovers are finally united in song, closing the show on a high. One Man, Two Guvnors is a hilarious alternative to traditional Christmas shows.