In 1999 England, Vince Smith scatters the ashes of his father, Harold. As he does this he thinks back to the 1970s, when his father suddenly shocked everyone.
Harold Smith (Courtenay) is a retired clerk who is obsessed with disco and enjoys a peaceful life, while his younger wife likes the rigorous night life. On Christmas day, Harold performs a magic trick which astonishes the family. Days later, his paranormal powers are discovered and he is thrust into the limelight.