Bank of Dave The Musical - The Lowry

Uplifting and inspirational entertainment - Bank of Dave at The Lowry.

ITS impossible to resist the inspirational northern charm of this classic David v Goliath story, brought to the stage for a show that’s sure to leave audiences at The Lowry smiling from ear to ear as they leave the theatre.

The score, written by Rob Madge and Pippa Cleary, offers audiences a positive musical treat, even if the best songs are to be heard in the second act of a show that’s sure to sell out fast when theatregoers hear just how watchable and uplifting it is.

Dave Fishwick, a gregarious, self made businessman from Burnley left school without a qualification to his name and worked to become a multi millionaire with a profound social conscience.

This prompted him to defy the banking industry’s powers that be to set up Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd, which had a specific remit to provide financial support to people in his beloved home town, people who had been refused such help by banks on the high street.

Any profits made are re-invested and the organisation has helped numerous good causes.

Like many, many legions of others, I’ve always loved such stories like this one. They’re grist to the mill for me and I think Dave would make a great Prime Minister, while accepting that particular dream is destined to remain always unfulfilled.

As for the scote, the best songs can be heard in the second half.

Sam Lupton’s Dave is ultra engaging and highly watchable and without little effort on his part any effort to warm to this character is an effortless task.

Hayley Tamadon’s as Nicky and Lucia Chadwick-Patel as Hugh run Lupton a very close second with performances that are equally appealing.

Lauryn Redding’s Alex, a dedicated doctor at a local hospital struggling in a working environment in which resources are stretched to the limit is equally impressive and its impossible not to be impressed by the character’s unwavering dedication to duty.

Its fair to say The Lowry has a very palpable hit on its hands, the script is totally devoid of cliches and the score is totally devoid of cliches. There’s a realism about all the characters regardless of their status in a plot that’s sure to capture the imagination of anyone who sees it.

While there’s been a good natured toying with the facts around Dave Fishwick’s remarkable story, this show gives us more than the essence of a man who had the courage and determination to stand up to the financial powers that be and turn his dream into reality.

Enjoy.

Until May 16. Tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - ****