Bank of Dave The Musical, Curve Theatre Leicester Review

Theatre provides a great opportunity to utilise some of the most extraordinary stories that happen on our doorsteps, allowing them to have life on the stage, bring a little joy to audiences, and celebrate real human experiences. In recent years, productions such as Punch have done this and excelled - with a Broadway run, multiple Olivier Award nods and a return to the UK stage already planned for 2027. Now, Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire and working-class hero, is the source material for a new musical by Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary.

Bank of Dave: The Musical follows the true-ish story of Dave Fishwick, the self-made millionaire from Burnley who regularly lends money to local people and small businesses overlooked by major financial institutions. In response to the restraints of traditional banking, he embarks on a community bank, all while battling the entrenched powers of the financial system along the way.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, Fishwick’s story contains all the right ingredients for a marvellous new British musical. His larger-than-life personality and pride in Burnley throughout his journey have already inspired film adaptations and a documentary. In this production, that passion radiates through every moment; it’s unapologetically Northern while still maintaining a strong relevance to communities far beyond its roots.

Having some previous experience of Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary’s previous collaborations, their work on Bank of Dave The Musical proves a worthwhile investment for audiences. Deeply rooted in community, Madge’s writing balances charm, signature wit and well-placed cameo with a deep understanding of the wider societal issues surrounding the story. Aligned with Pippa’s brilliantly formed musical numbers, there’s something really special about the potential for further life for this show. Memorable hits like “Burnley Born and Bred”, “Past The M25”, “Rich Boys Club” and “A Little Change” sit within the story seamlessly, whilst also providing audiences with some brilliant earworm music.

Amy Jane Cook’s set design places The Talbot pub, an integral part of both the story and the Burnley community, at the centre of the production. The staging moves fluidly between courtrooms, hospitals, and family homes, aided by video projections suspended above the set that help establish the story’s shifting landscape. However, we are always brought back to this pub for the weekly karaoke evening. 

Bank of Dave The Musical is a story of community, and no more is there a shining example of this than in this cast. The amount of energy and enjoyment which oozes from this collective is enough to know how much they are enjoying working on this show. Sam Lupton’s resemblance to Dave Fishwick is genuinely striking; he manages to capture both his mannerisms and larger-than-life presence with incredible authenticity. Alongside him, Hayley Tamaddon’s warm and engaging performance as Nicky shows the natural chemistry between the pair. Samuel Holmes gives one of the most comedic performances of the night as Sir Charles Denbigh, side-splittingly funny and incredibly engaging for the audience throughout. 

Overall, there is so much to love about this positively British musical that feels both refreshing and exciting to see right now. Bank of Dave: The Musical captures the warmth, humour, and community spirit that feels absent from most productions recently. It’s a show that leans confidently into its identity, celebrating local pride while still speaking to wider audiences.

Don’t miss out on this uplifting production that reinforces its central message: “Anything is possible if you make a little change!”

Bank of Dave The Musical plays at Curve Theatre, Leicester until 30 May 2026.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★