I’m Alive (Reprise) / Highest Bidder captures the dazzling and disturbing moment when Rose steps into the spotlight and discovers the intoxicating power of being seen. What begins as a fragile declaration of life quickly transforms into spectacle as the crowd cheers and Topper turns her awakening into commerce. Brass, beauty, and bravado collide with unease in this electrifying pairing, where applause masks exploitation and innocence meets ambition. The music swells from hopeful self-discovery to a sleazy auction, reminding us that in a world driven by desire and greed, even a beating clockwork heart can be given a price.

I’M ALIVE (REPRISE)

I… I… I’m… I’m still ticking… I still shine… Clockwork limbs, But thoughts are mine.

(Gasps from the crowd)

(A smattering of applause – It grows)

Turn my key, And I will dance… Give me time, Give me a chance…

(The music swells. Rose gains confidence. She spins slowly. The crowd cheers)

TOPPER (encouraging)

Show them how you move, darling; pull your skirt up a little. Let them glimpse how smooth your joints are.

(Rose pulls up her dress slowly showing her legs)

(The crowd whistles and claps)

TOPPER

That’s it. Give them a twirl. Show them how finely you’re crafted.

ROSE (now stronger)

Take a look, Am I just gears? Or something shaped by, Love and tears? Pistons thump, Gears interlock, Spark of life, Just wind my clock.

(The crowd whistles and claps)

VOICE FROM THE CROWD TWO (off-stage)

More! Show more!

(Rose dances — slowly, gracefully. She forgets her fear, swept up in their cheers. She runs her hand along her waist, unaware of what she’s revealing)

Chorus

You like, what you see, I’ll play, my part… Can you hear my clockwork heart? I’m more than just a piece of art!

Chorus

I’m not a puppet, And I’m not plaything? Can you hear my clockwork heart? I’m more than just a piece of art!

(Music fades out except for the drumbeat)

Breakdown

Look at me dance, The perfect prize, A steam powered girl, I’m alive, Hear me tick…

(The crowd applauds and Rose curtsies, unaware what has happened, but finding the attention addictive)

TOPPER (grinning, stepping forward)

Right then — you’ve heard her voice; you’ve seen her turn. What’s she worth to you, my fine filthy friends?

THE HIGHEST BIDDER (Topper)

Verse 1

Come one, come all, Don’t be shy my wicked friends. A lady of charms and gears, Wind her up, have fun for years!

Verse 2

Just use her key, She’ll never tire… A tick tock girl, You can use for your, Heart’s desire. Who’ll be first to stake their claim?

Instrumental

TOPPER

100 pounds! 200 pounds! Come on friends! Let’s do the rounds.

Going once, going twice…

(Madame Adore enters from the side of the stage)

ADORE (From the side)

£1000!

TOPPER

Sold! To the ever-delightful Madame Adore!

Verse 3

Raise a glass, The deal is done, Thanks to everyone! A lady of charms and gears, May she entertain for years and years.

Verse 4

So let me bid you, Farewell. Enjoy your clockwork prize,

I think you’re in for a surprise. A pleasure, As always…

(MADAM ADORE approaches. She hands a thick envelope of cash to TOPPER)