Mimi Quinn's life is forever altered when, at the age of thirteen, she is caught up by the thrill of the music hall and joins Jolly Joe's troupe. Her dark treacle voice soon wins acclaim, just as her friend Betsy Bridges' extraordinary beaity marks her out as a star-to-be. But one night a terrible accident wrecks their ambitions and starts a grim feud which will continue for decades. On screen, on stage and backstage, the subsequent battles threaten to ruin not only the lives of Mimi and Betsy but also of their families in this gripping story, which explores the difficulties of forgiveness ... and the dangers of revenge.