The lives and ambitions, triumphs and failures of two choirs with very different agendas – and musical repertoires – against a backdrop of soaring choruses and infectious melodies from pop to punk to classical in a town in the north of England. The sparky but self-effacing Esther has two priorities: her family and the local choir. But then glamorous Layla turns up in town and tears apart the choir– and Esther's marriage. Further intrigue appears in the shape of Jake, a handsome young curate, whose own past has been blighted by the spirited Layla and who encourages Esther to start her own group with her fellow rejected choir members.