In the Welsh town of Port Talbot, 1942, Richard Jenkins lives as a wayward schoolboy, caught between the pressures of his struggling family, a devastating war, and his own ambitions. However, a new opportunity arises when Richard's natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton. Taking Richard under his wing, the young man thrives thanks to Philip's strict tutelage and the guidance of kindly landlady, Ma Smith. However, as the acting world comes within Richard's reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.