In 1950s England, a mediocre and disillusioned variety music artist struggles to find his place in a world that is fading away, amidst the wave of cultural change sweeping the country. Anthony "Tony" Finch is a cabaret clown who clings to his glory days while trying to keep his career and family afloat. The plot unfolds against a backdrop of a nation facing political and social tensions, mirrored in Tony's life as he watches his dreams dissipate in the reality of a diminishing show.
Tony lives with his family in a dilapidated apartment, where the atmosphere of disillusionment and frustration is palpable. His relationships with his wife, mother, and brother grow increasingly tense as hopes for a better life seem to vanish. With an almost nostalgic appreciation for his past, Tony evades his problems through his performances, where his charisma and humor still manage to captivate a few, albeit temporarily. However, disappointment, betrayal, and the struggle for survival lurk around every corner of his life, leading Tony to question whether there is truly a future worth fighting for. In the end, his family's life and his own identity slip into the unknown, symbolizing the fight against the inevitable passage of time and the relentless reality of change.