Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at the empire. following a turbulent period jack treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother lillian, and his playwright wife grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around. but could lillian's new admirer, grand duke nikolai kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake? will the empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding west end star, stella stanmore? and what are their enemies in highbridge planning? while jack and grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, sally blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break. as the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes.