Bank of Dave: The Musical is a delightful and heartwarming show that takes the audience on a journey through the life of Dave Fishwick, a Burnley businessman with a mission to bring financial empowerment to his community. The musical is a testament to the power of storytelling, using music and theater to bring to life a true-life tale of an underdog fighting against the system. What makes this musical truly special is its ability to balance a feel-good narrative with a critical eye on the banking industry and the north-south divide.
One of the most striking aspects of the musical is its eagerness to connect with the audience. The show is filled with pop-culture references, from Coronation Street to The Legend of Zelda, which adds a layer of familiarity and accessibility. This approach is both clever and refreshing, as it makes the story more relatable and engaging for a wider audience. However, this eagerness to please can also be seen as a sign of insecurity, as the show constantly tries to prove its worth and appeal to the masses.
The source material, based on the true story of Dave Fishwick, is a feel-good tale of an underdog fighting against the system. The musical follows the fictionalized outline of the 2023 Netflix film, starring Rory Kinnear, and features a community that pulls together and a romantic subplot between a buttoned-up London lawyer and a no-nonsense local doctor. The show is presented as a David and Goliath battle between an impoverished former mill town and a self-serving banking sector, making it an underdog tale with a happy ending.
Director Nikolai Foster has crafted an ebullient and energetic show, with big chorus numbers and an amorphous bar-room set designed by Amy Jane Cook. The songs, composed by Pippa Cleary, are bright and engaging, drawing on gospel, soul, hip-hop, and Broadway golden age styles. While a couple of romantic numbers slow the pace, the songs generally propel the story forward and add to the cheeriness. The show's production values are high, with neat integration of Duncan McLean's video designs and a backdrop of Lancashire chimneys.
However, the musical is not without its flaws. The north-south divide is overegged, and the characters flirt with cliche. The show also comes clean about its fabrications, which is consistent with its determinedly down-to-earth approach. While the musical is a feel-good show, it also rails against inequality and champions the possibility of change. This balance between entertainment and social commentary is what makes the musical truly special.
In my opinion, Bank of Dave: The Musical is a must-see for anyone who loves a good underdog story. The show is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of music and theater to bring to life a true-life tale of an everyman fighting against the system. The musical is a delightful and heartwarming experience that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. So, if you're looking for a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Bank of Dave: The Musical is the perfect choice.
