The survival of the Temple Stage School, a London institution for child actors, hangs in the balance as its formidable proprietress, Freddie, faces mounting financial ruin. Freddie must navigate the predatory intentions of those seeking to exploit her school's insolvency while managing the volatile ambitions of her young charges. The narrative follows the interplay between the school's eccentric staff, the competitive child actors, and the opportunistic men circling the property. Fitzgerald employs a sharp, observational tone to document the precarious intersection of art, childhood, and commerce in post-war London.

This novel is widely regarded as a precise and unsentimental examination of the theatrical world, reflecting Fitzgerald's own experiences with the industry. Critics frequently highlight the author's ability to balance dark humor with a poignant sense of impending loss. The narrative structure is noted for its economy, avoiding unnecessary exposition in favor of sharp, character-driven vignettes. Readers often observe that the book captures the specific, often harsh realities of child performance with a clarity that avoids typical tropes of the genre. The work stands as a testament to the author's skill in rendering complex social environments through seemingly simple interactions.