Bank of Dave The Musical

Rob Madge (books & lyrics), Pippa Cleary (Music & Lyrics)

Royo Productions, Curve Leicester, Lowry Salford, Future Artists Entertainment

Lowry, Salford

May 4-16, 2026; 2 hrs 30 mins

Dave Fishwick - rock banker! Sam Lupton, Hayley Tamaddon and members of the Bank of Dave company

Bank of Dave The Musical is a celebration of the rare occasion when a new musical becomes a full-blown

theatrical extravaganza, crafted by a joyful ensemble skilfully directed by Curve Leicester's artistic director, Nikolai Foster, an accomplished director in the repertory tradition.

This is the true-ish story of self-made Burnley millionaire Dave Fishwick and his struggle to establish

a community bank to help local people in modern Burnley. Dave battles the elite, impenetrable London

financial institutions to secure the first licence for a new bank in more than 150 years.

Amy Jane Cook’s set is glorious. Stripped-back borders reveal the rigging, framed by a blatant

showbiz proscenium arch of lightbulbs that sets off Ben Cracknell’s superb kaleidoscopic lighting

design. Sitting atop the Burnley social club set - shadowed by silent Burnley mill chimneys - is a

wraparound video screen featuring wonderful, never over-used designs by Duncan McLean.

This is not some over-amplified jukebox musical, but a refreshingly honest and crafted show, with a perfectly-judged musical arc. The lyrics are clever and witty, filled with rhyming northern

idiosyncrasies (and swearing) that advances the plot, though we could have done without the toilet

humour surrounding Hugh’s sexual prowess – the show is better than that. Onomatopoeic jabs at the

barriers of the north-south divide are strikingly real, and the inventive chorus number Past the M25

dares to sing of what many believe. The talented cast seamlessly takes us from social club to board

room; dancing pigs, chatty sat-navs delight, and the Sir Charles Denbigh and David H scenes are

slickly observed, performed fearlessly by Samuel Holmes. But the epic scale also gives way to moving,

intimate moments; For Better or For Worse underscoring that behind every successful man is a

strong and supportive partner.

From the opening moments, the energy flows. The choreography (Ebony Molina) is simple and effective.

Every character is well drawn, not caricature with affectionate northern nods. Hannah Nutall’s Mavis, embracing her inner Mrs Overall, and Lauryn Redding giving a beautifully sung and sensitive

portrayal of local doctor Alex.

Sam Lupton is a charismatic and dynamic Dave, with a solid vocal line, partnered by the stylish Hayley

Tamaddon as Nicky. But the standout performance belongs to lawyer Hugh, dazzlingly played by

Lucca Chadwick-Patel. His journey is flawless, his solo What Heroes Do embracing everything we love

about warm-hearted musicals.

Go and enjoy, and note Dave’s rules: genuine kindness and hope is a gift we can all give.

More info and tickets here