Like his previous two, including his bestselling debut Love on the Dole, the work is partly set in his native Salford.

The novel was somewhat self-reflexive as the protagonist Henry Ormerod strongly resembles Greenwood's own background and experiences.

Henry Ormerod, a working-class draper's assistant, has ambitions to become a playwright which are mocked by both his mother and prospective wife Edna.

However, his play unexpectedly generates interest from a theatrical producer who sees it as a perfect vehicle for a female star, leading to one his rivals to outbid him and buy the rights to the work.

Ormerod travels south to London's West End, but finds he has lost all financial and artistic control over his work.