BANK OF DAVE
Lowry Theatre, Manchester 2026 - Curve Theatre, Leicester 2026
Music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary
Book and lyrics by Rob Madge
Directed by Nikolai Foster
A brand new British musical full of community, grit and generosity. Based on the true (or “true-ish”) story of Burnley’s Dave Fishwick, a self-made businessman who set up a community bank when big banks refused to support local people and small businesses.
“This all feels very surreal! … watching someone play me live on stage will be totally surreal. … I am just an ordinary lad from Burnley, who does extraordinary things, and if I can make it happen, you can too! Always have the courage to follow your dreams!” - Dave Fishwick
★★★★ WHATSONSTAGE ★★★★★ THE REVIEWS HUB ★★★★★ ALL ABOUT THEATRE
★★★★★ MANCHESTER THEATRES ★★★★ MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ★★★★ OPENING NIGHT
‘A feel-good crowd-pleaser in which an underdog overcomes adversity to prevail for the greater good.’ - The Stage
‘There are songs that thump like a Friday night in a working men’s club and quieter moments that sneak up unexpectedly, landing with surprising emotional precision.’ - WhatsOnStage
‘Pippa Cleary’s songs are bright and engaging’ - The Guardian
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The Bank of Dave Musical: Inside One of the Most Exciting New British Musicals of the Decade
The Bank of Dave Musical has taken UK theatres by storm, with acclaimed world premiere runs at The Lowry in Salford and Curve Theatre in Leicester in 2026. Based on the incredible true story of Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick, this brand-new British musical combines comedy, powerful music, and northern heart in a feel-good show that's been wowing audiences across the country.
The True Story Behind The Bank of Dave Musical
The Bank of Dave Musical is inspired by the real-life journey of Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire who set out to fight the big banking system by opening a community bank in Burnley. From his humble beginnings to taking on the financial elite in London, this story of resilience, rebellion and working-class pride has been brought to life in spectacular musical form — earning praise from audiences at both Curve and The Lowry.
Music, Book and Creative Team
With music by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical) and book and lyrics by Rob Madge (My Son's a Queer), the show delivers high-energy performances, laugh-out-loud moments, and a powerful message about community and courage. Directed by Nikolai Foster and produced by The Lowry and Curve, the musical captures the grit and determination of a working-class hero — funny, uplifting, and deeply resonant.
Why Audiences Are Loving The Bank of Dave Musical
This is more than a feel-good show — it's a celebration of community, courage, and what happens when one person stands up to the system. Whether you're a fan of real-life underdog stories, British musicals, or simply looking for a great night at the theatre, The Bank of Dave Musical has proven itself a genuine must-see.
Having completed acclaimed runs at Curve Theatre in Leicester and The Lowry in Manchester/Salford, the show has already generated significant national buzz — with audiences and critics alike calling it one of the standout new British musicals of 2026.