WRITTEN by Greek playwright Aristophanes and first produced in Athens in 411 BC, this is the classic story of Greek women tiring of the endless Peloponnesian War, and deciding to end it by denying their soldier husbands and boyfriends sex.

Adapted by David Stuttard, directed by Tamsin Shasha, this is an updated modern version of the Greek classic, with the raucous sound of gunfire filling the theatre before the start of the play.

The pace is quick and frenetic, five actors playing a variety of characters.

Modernising a classic play can be admirable, and there is much scope for commenting on the current tragic war in Syria – there were collecting buckets in the foyer for the Syrian refugees – but there was little mention of Greece’s proximity to Syria and the appalling refugee situation.

Instead, this version focussed on the thin storyline of women denying men sex in order to stop war.

Musical numbers – which could have been witty, cutting and stylish – were often affected by uneven sound balance, the pre-recorded backing drowning out the vocals.

Delivery was frequently unclear, enunciation poor, lines often shouted with hopeful gusto.

The humour which could have been subtle, thought-provoking and deliciously provocative often relied on crude contemporary obscenities and lewd double entendres.

Getting a cheap laugh by using “strong language” is surely just lazy writing and the lowest form of wit.

Lysistrata plays Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal tonight and tomorrow nighton March 7 and 8.

• Brendan McCusker