Steve Coogan, an arrogant actor with low self-esteem and a complicated love life, is playing the eponymous role in an adaptation of "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" being filmed at a stately home. He constantly spars with actor Rob Brydon, who is playing Uncle Toby and believes his role to be of equal importance to Coogan's.

An obsessive classical concertgoer wants to be the first clapper at the end of every symphony and sonata. But when he inflicts the clap incessantly on his pianist idol, the tormented virtuoso decides to fight back with music.

A young opera director battles backstage to save her premiere, whilst her father, deep in the woods, considers his own final act.