The Secret Rapture by David Hare is a play that compares contrasting personal values while commenting on the morals of a particular era in society, at the same time it's a moving story that will have you weeping buckets.

"It's essentially about the relationship between two sisters and the tension between them following the death of their father. But, because it is set in 1988, it's also about the period of time when there was rapid economic growth and pressure on people to make money above all else," says director Joanna Read.

"The younger sister, Isobel, is out of kilter with the environment, her quiet ideals are very different from her older sister, Marion, who is an ambitious junior Tory minister. She is a strong and powerful Eighties woman," says Joanna.

It is the contrast between the two sisters that serves as a metaphor representing two views of boom and bust Thatcherite Britain - one from those who were reluctant bystanders in the money-grabbing, me generation or the yuppies who revelled in the rampant materialism.

"The play looks at the sister's differences and how people like Isobel, who seems to be such a good person, manages to bring out the worst in someone like Marion.

"It was demanding to direct because it has so much depth as it deals with the complexities of human relationships," says Joanna.

"At the same time it was very rewarding because it has so many different layers."

The Secret Rapture is at Salisbury Playhouse until Saturday February 10, for tickets call the box office on 01722 320333.