We read ‘A Bedfull of Foreigners’ by Dave Freeman. Set in a rundown hotel on the German border, this play follows a crazy night that ensues when five guests arrive and cause mayhem for the staff and themselves. Mistaken identity, wife swapping, bed hopping, a monk, a nun and a deadly radiator all provide the off the wall happenings of this crazy holiday spot.
The storyline of ‘A Bedfull of Foreigners’ follows married couple Stanley and Brenda Parker as they finally secure a hotel to rest in while on holiday in France. They seem to have found the last available hotel as the celebration of a renowned saint draws near to the town, unbeknownst to these British travellers. At first, it seems that all is well, until Brenda leaves and shortly thereafter arrives Helga Philby, a beautiful German woman, claiming the room is her husband’s and she intends to surprise him for his birthday after he has been away on business. Stanley then has to juggle Helga and her British husband, Claude, and soon finds himself also juggling Simone, Claude’s girlfriend. Lies, counter-lies, and seductions fly almost as free as the kisses and banter that are exchanged by each character. After successfully navigating the passions of each occupant in this shared “family” room, Stanley laments that he wanted a quiet holiday at an English seaside resort. Although the truthfulness of this statement is questionable, as Stanley himself seems quite content with the events of the night.