By 1937, Laurel and Hardy had solidified their status as the foremost comic duo worldwide, captivating millions with their films. During the production of Way Out West, Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) makes the tough decision to reject a contract renewal with Hal Roach (Danny Huston), feeling that neither the studio nor Roach are adequately acknowledging their incredible global fame. In contrast, Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) is still bound by a separate contract, leaving him tied to Roach while the studio attempts to cast him alongside Harry Langdon in the film Zenobia. Although the duo would eventually reunite, Ollie’s absence during a significant meeting with Fox leads to their inability to secure a deal, leaving Stan feeling deeply betrayed for many years.
Fast forward to 1953, the iconic pair embarks on a challenging music hall tour through the United Kingdom and Ireland, all while trying to create a comedic adaptation of Robin Hood. Their struggle begins with poor publicity managed by producer Bernard Delfont (Rufus Jones), resulting in nearly empty back street theaters at the onset of their tour, as Delfont appears more focused on promoting his rising star, Norman Wisdom. Thankfully, as their presence becomes known, Delfont makes timely arrangements for public engagements, allowing them to perform in larger, more prestigious venues.
Throughout the tour, driven by Stan's determination, the duo continues crafting and refining gags for their film project. However, the looming silence from their London-based producer grows anxious, and once they arrive in the bustling city, Stan learns of the project’s cancellation due to insufficient funding. Unable to notify Ollie about the setback, they carry on with script development.
The journey takes an emotional turn when their wives, Ida Laurel (Nina Arianda) and Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson), join them at the luxurious Savoy Hotel in London, ahead of a highly anticipated two-week performance at the nearby Lyceum Theatre. After a successful opening night, a party in their honor brings tension to the surface. Remarks from Delfont about having "two double acts for the price of one" lead to an explosive argument between the two wives, revealing deeper issues. As the night wears on, Stan's long-held feelings of betrayal surface when Ida mentions Ollie’s solo project, referred to as the "elephant movie," igniting a public confrontation that calls into question their friendship.
Accusations fly as Stan expresses his resentment towards Ollie's perceived laziness, while Ollie counters that their relationship was manufactured by Hal Roach's studios and questions Stan’s sincerity as a friend, claiming he was merely enamored with the duo's persona, Laurel and Hardy. This heated exchange leads to Ollie leaving the party with Lucille, while Stan finds himself isolated.
Their camaraderie, despite taking a hit, remains as they continue their tour, which includes judging a beauty contest in Worthing. Tensions rise as Ollie refuses to speak to Stan, but tragedy strikes just as they are about to announce the contest winner when Ollie suffers a heart attack, forcing him into bed rest. After two days, Delfont suggests replacing Ollie with another comic; however, Stan's resolve to perform with his friend becomes impossibly clear. Having to face his own feelings, he shares with his wife the deep connection he has with Ollie and decides to return to America, hoping to keep Ollie's impending departure a secret.
In a surprising turn, Ollie listens to his body and leaves his hotel room, perfectly timed with Stan's farewell preparations. Their paths cross again, and the two reconcile, acknowledging their true friendship and the joy they find in each other. Ollie smiles, saying they have a show to do, igniting Stan's spirit as they brave through a challenging performance that ends with thundering applause from the audience.
As they sail to Ireland for the continuation of their tour, Stan finally confesses to Ollie about the film project’s uncertain future, revealing his belief that no one would want to see another Laurel and Hardy film. Ollie confesses that he had already sensed Stan's disillusionment but had chosen to keep working for their shared passion. Upon their arrival in Ireland, the duo is met with an outpouring of love and support from an enthusiastic crowd, ringing in their theme song as church bells chime. Despite Ollie’s declining health, they successfully complete the tour to rave acclaim.
The film closes with an epilogue noting that this tour marked the last time they performed together. Ollie's health declined further in the following years, leading to his passing in 1957, which devastated Stan, prompting him to retire from performing without his beloved partner, who died in 1965. In the final years of his life, Stan continued to craft sketches for the duo, forever cherishing the legacy of their friendship.
