Terence's The Eunuch was written in 161BC but the play provides a social commentary on many contemporary issues including rape, the subjugation of women, honour, hypocrisy and double dealing.

Performed at BOAT - whose open air theatre resembles an ancient amphitheatre - the play is set outside a house of ill repute and centres of the attempts of two suitors to gain the affections of the chief courtesan by offering her the gift of a eunuch and a young girl for her pleasure.

Unfortunately, the brother of one of the suitors spots the young girl and together with one of the slave girls hatches a plan to gain entry to the brothel by switching places with the eunuch so he can force his way on the young girl.

Thereafter the play concentrates on how the suitor can extricate himself from an embarrassing situation and do the honourable thing by marrying his victim – and his family can save face while covering up their own failings.

It seems unfair to pick out any of this particularly strong cast for mention but special praise must go to Peta Taylor as the tart with a heart, Scott Roberts as the pretentious, foppish counsellor and Christina Wood as the courtesan.

Four stars