We move to the streets where Charlie and the impressively improving Libby are joined by other buskers, including Gladys and Arthur, all of whom perform a Busker Medley directly outside the stage door of the Garrick Theatre. Their routines end with Charlie and Libby triumphantly gathering the shower of coins they had earned from their audience, and as she draws close to the open stage door, Libby becomes transfixed by the coloured light and beautiful strains of music escaping from inside. She peers in awestruck, calling out to Charlie that she'd "give anything to be there in all that lovely light." Soon after this - along with Arthur and Gladys - Libby arranges a surprise birthday party for Charlie at which she presents him with a cane and a gramophone record of the song they had overheard at the Garrick's stage door. She proposes that the four of them become the Piccadilly Quartet and - with appropriate costumes and all - put together their own version of this song as a new busker act. While the others are considering her idea, the doorbell rings. The visitor is songwriter Prentiss James, recently returned from America. He has come to thank Charlie for handing in his missing cigarette case to the police. Totally unembarrassed by the situation, but sensing an opportunity Libby impetuously invites Prentiss to the debut of the brand new act that she and the others will be launching outside the Garrick on the evening of his impending opening night there. Later, Gladys and Arthur, aware that Libby has an eye for Prentiss, caution her to be careful with their Charlie's affections. While cleaning up after the party, Libby gently inquires about Charlie's lack of a love-life. As they separately prepare to retire for the night, their thoughts stray to one another. Then Libby, peering around the Chinese screen, softly murmurs, "It's all right, Charlie, you're invited." When Charlie, Gladys, Arthur and Libby introduce their new act outside the Garrick, Prentiss James, true to his word, is there, accompanied by his producer, Max Beardsley and his show's beautiful blonde musical star, Elaine Claire. Miss Claire is plainly bored by watching what she considers "a form of begging," but Max and Prentiss are enchanted by Libby's style and invite her and the troupe to attend the party Max is throwing after their premiere that evening. Libby is thrilled at the prospect of mingling with such a classy gathering, but the rest of the troupe - uncomfortable with this unexpected invitation to a fancy party - retire to their local pub for a celebratory party of their own. With a rousing toast, Charlie leads his fellow buskers in a joyous paean to Busker Alley - the territory where they entertain the queuing playgoers before they all head into their theatres. Libby, believing that going to the party could well have been her entrée into a better life, sits alone in a corner, sulking. Charlie notices this and, although he tries to make light of turning down Prentiss' invitation. Libby is having none of it and she runs off to the posh party on her own. Gladys tries to console - and even warn - Charlie, before leaving to take Mate for a walk in the park with Arthur. Charlie wonders how Gladys can possibly believe that he has fallen in love with Libby — but almost immediately realises that she is, of course, right! Libby, who has been warmly welcomed to the opening night party, responds delightedly to Max's invitation to sing. Prentiss encourages Beardsley to audition Libby for the new show, and thrilled, Libby shows her gratitude by responding warmly to Prentiss's desire for a kiss... just as Charlie arrives at the party in search of her. Libby - feeling spied upon - resents Charlie's turning up unexpectedly. She tells him of her invitation to audition for Max. taunting him that it will free her from "cadging for coppers" in the streets. Afraid that he might be losing her, Charlie passionately confesses his love and, with a colourful busker flourish, even asks her to marry him. A pall of embarrassment descends over the other guests as Libby - shocked, and almost laughing, at his proposition - begs Charlie to leave. Back on the street, Charlie is heartbroken and humiliated violently smashes his ukulele to smithereens. Act 2 Some months later at the Garrick Theatre, we are watching a lavish production number. Libby, cast in the ensemble has rapidly worked her way up through the ranks and, through the influence of Prentiss, Max and Duchesi, has replaced the leading lady, Elaine Claire. Meanwhile, Charlie. true to his vow, has abandoned busking. Unable to read or write. he elicits Arthur's help in filling out employment forms and, through the intervention of a kindhearted clerk, Charlie finally gets a try-out as a bus conductor.
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