Breaking Glass

Kate Crowley, a fiery and talented singer-songwriter, is spotted by Danny, a promoter who dreams of promoting new bands. Danny is currently stuck working for an agent who fixes charts by having Suzie Sapphire’s singles copied endlessly. He pushes Kate and, through reconnections with former friends, forms Breaking Glass: Kate on vocals and keyboards, Tony on lead guitar, Dave on bass, Ken on sax, and Mick on drums.

Danny screens the band through a string of pub gigs, often in venues populated by neo-Nazis, which clashes with Kate's anarchist sensibilities. A brawl erupts, and the publican refuses to pay the band for their performance, underscoring how hard promotion can be. The setbacks test the group's resolve but also strengthen their resolve to push forward.

Reluctantly, Kate agrees to record a demo to showcase their sound, with Danny driving the process. They take the demo to gig promoters, who show little interest and offer little hope. The rejection reinforces the uphill climb they face in breaking into the industry.

As the band fights for gigs and respect, Kate realises she is falling in love with Danny. The relationship adds emotional strain to their professional partnership, complicating decisions about the band's future. The romance deepens even as the touring schedule remains grueling.

Months pass and the band earns a growing fanbase as they tour the country. Promoters finally offer a contract, but Danny describes it as 'feudal', indicating heavy terms that limit the band's creative control. The deal marks a turning point in how the band will be managed and promoted.

On Christmas Eve, the band is stranded when their van breaks down and a national rail strike blocks transport. In the midst of the setback, Danny and Kate share their first kiss and become a couple. The moment deepens their bond as they continue to push forward.

Danny infiltrates his old employer's scene to attend a London gig, where a power cut hits mid-performance. The band keeps playing, winning over a hostile crowd, and the agents watching are impressed despite the chaos. The incident elevates the band's profile and credibility.

The music agents demand changes to offensive lyrics to secure airplay, forcing the band to reconsider their message. The first album recording becomes a mixed success as tensions simmer and the role of Danny comes under scrutiny. The band begins to realize the promotion machine may be pulling strings behind the scenes.

Scheduled for a Rock Against Racism benefit, the band finds the organization lacking and faces a neo-Nazi rally outside. They perform a controversial song anyway, triggering a riot that escalates when a stabbing victim falls at Kate's feet. The trauma leaves a lasting mark on Kate and tests her resolve.

Kate auditions for renowned producer Bob Woods, who aims to take control of her music and career. His involvement helps her recover emotionally, but the rest of the band resents the tightening grip and the new dynamic. Woods becomes a central figure and ally to Kate.

On tour, the agents insinuate that Danny is the problem, which fuels a confrontation that leads to Danny quitting. Bob Woods steps in as manager and becomes Kate's lover, accelerating the band's commercial ascent. The group sees platinum sales while its internal tensions continue to brew.

Mick and Ken depart as the group's dynamics deteriorate and the band's name becomes Kate & Breaking Glass. During a climactic Rainbow Theatre concert, Kate is drugged and forced onstage to perform 'Eighth Day', then collapses mentally as she flees to the London Underground. The film ends with her catatonic in a mental hospital while Danny visits with a synthesiser, hinting at a fragile hope for reconciliation.