Bank of Dave: The Musical | The Lowry

From Sunday Times bestseller to Netflix's #1film, The Lowry in partnership with Leicester Curve presents the world premiere of Bank of Dave: The Musical. With a book and lyrics by Rob Madge, music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary, and with direction from Nikolai Foster, Bank of Dave: The Musical follows the true (well, mostly true) story of Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire from Burnley who has spent years helping the community and small businesses when banks refused to help. Frustrated by the political climate, Dave pursues a plan to set up his own bank and give the profits to charity. When posh and straight lawyer, Hugh from London, decides to help Dave, together the pair fight together to make Dave's dreams come true.

Madge's book is laced with wit and tongue in cheek humour, exploring the current political climate light-heartedly but also giving space for exploration of how dreary the current living situation actually is. Whilst the story is primarily about Dave Fishwick, Madge's script also allows for plenty of further character development - we learn about the pub landlady who bought the pub with her deceased husband in attempt to save money for a cruise, a struggling health-care professional who can't afford to fund her own clinic, whilst also exploring the pressures of the NHS, and a musician struggling to afford his own music studio so spends his time busking on the streets. Madge's script does a wonderful job in allowing this all to be explored in a raw and honest way, but doing it light-heartedly encompasses what Dave Fishwick is really all about.

The music, by Madge and Cleary, is of a general mixed bag. There are some hilarious showstopper numbers, performed effortlessly by the whole ensemble, as well as some lovely emotionally sincere numbers. However, one does wonder if all the songs are necessary in moving the story along, even if they are enjoyable in their own right.

Sam Lupton brings Dave Fishwick to life with an incredible warmth and charisma, making it easy to root for his journey. Lupton has great comedic timing and feels like a natural storyteller, which is perfect for this kind of musical. Hayley Tamaddon as Nicky is steadfast and loyal, whilst Lucca Chadwick Patel as Hugh is wonderful in character arc going from career-focused and cynical, to becoming emotionally invested in Burnley and the Bank of Dave. An honorable mention must be given to Lauryn Redding who impresses with her soulful voice, and passionate take on Alex. Equally, Hannah Nutall is hilarious as Mavis.

Amy Jane Cook's set and costume design is effective in capturing the sense of a community. Set inside local pub The Talbot, there is a sense of belonging established right at the start of the show. Set pieces are moved around the stage fluidly by the cast and stage management, allowing for Foster's direction to flow naturally. The industrial town looms in darkness outside of the pub, a stark contrast from the inside of the bright and lively pub. Screens are placed around the pub, as well as a tv placed on a corner wall, allowing for Duncan Mclean's inventive video design to shine.

Mclean's video design incorporates some standout moments of humour, including a video game quest when exploring a hero redemption arc and a cameo from some of the production team, but there's also a lovely touch with photographs of the real Dave Fishwick projected during the show's finale. Live projection is becoming more prominent in theatre, and this is used well to convey TV interviews.

Tom Marshall's sound design, whilst used subtly, brings depth to the piece by creating the lively chatter and laughter inside the pub, as well as bringing atmosphere during the stadium scene. Another lovely touch is the pre-show playlist which is presented as a local radio station, making the musical already feel lived in and immersive.

Ultimately, Bank of Dave: The Musical is an empowering and inspirational story, full of northern charm and wit. Dave Fishwick's story is one that deserves to be told and teaches an important lesson, and the production team have done an admirable job of bringing this story to life with all the elements of a wonderfully produced British musical.

Bank of Dave: The Musical plays at The Lowry until 16th May before heading to Leicester Curve - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Marc Brenner