There seems to be a fine line between provoking laughter and causing offence in this politically correct world in which we live.

That a play such as Joshua Harmon’s Bad Jews can cause so-called ‘controversy’ seems absurd to me because, edgy as it may be, this is a groundbreaking, thought-provoking piece of theatre.

Centred on four characters with differing views of the world, relationships and, most important of all, religion, Bad Jews explores what Judaism means to the youth within a modern American family.

The script is sharp and polished, though it might be described as a slow burner – the play really takes off with the devilishly hilarious, yet poignant, monologues from first Liam (Daniel Boyd) and then Daphna (Ailsa Joy).

The fact that both are stinging rants about one another makes for captivating viewing.

Liam is a self-proclaimed ‘bad Jew’ and the meeting of minds between his slightly ditzy, but ultimately decent, girlfriend Melody (Antonia Kinlay) and his cousin Daphna proves to be explosive.

She is very much a ‘good Jew’ and her extreme views give pause for thought about religion’s place in a modern society.

Bad Jews is relevant and refreshing.

It is a well-considered piece, pitched just right for today’s theatre, with plenty of genuinely serious moments to offset the free-flowing comedy.

The only question I had was whether Bad Jews goes far enough in shining a light on the pressures young people face from their families and their religions?

I wonder whether the time is right for a play of a similar nature to be penned with the focus on other religions also because Harmon’s script strikes the balance between the funny and the provocative.

Bad Jews run at Richmond Theatre until Saturday and at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, from April 18-23 next year.

Visit atgtickets.com/richmond or rosetheatrekingston.org for more details and information including how to book tickets.