It’s 1942 and Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) is at school in Port Talbot, caught between the pressures of an alcoholic father, a devastating war, and his own ambitions. A new opportunity beckons when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton (Toby Jones).
The young man thrives under Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of a kindly landlady, Ma Smith (Lesley Manville). But as the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.
