When Marjorie's husband of 20 years dies of a brain tumour, she's hit financially as well as emotionally. The money she makes packing tights in a factory isn't enough to cover her rent, and her TV is repossessed. Soon after the funeral she meets Arnold, a wealthy pub landlord, who squires her to the local Conservative Club ball in an effort to cheer her up. Life with Arnold promises not only companionship but undreamt-of luxury, but Marjorie's friends and family do not necessarily approve.

When working-class Liverpudlian Rick Fairley reveals his long-standing interest in cross-dressing to his wife, Marian, she is understandably surprised -- as are her parents, Reggie and Alma Titherington. But, as Rick's eye-opening interest leads the long-stagnant Fairleys into titillating new romantic territory, the couple find that a little bit of lipstick goes a long way when it comes to reinvigorating their marriage.