A powerhouse trio of theatrical creatives have joined forces to create a rags-to-riches musical which, although not reinventing the genre, manages to capture everything a patron wants in a production- both to its strengths and, occasionally, its detriment.

With direction from Nikolai Foster, Bank of Dave, tells the tale of white-van-man Dave Fishwick (Sam Lupton) and how he, along with his community and paralegal, Hugh (Lucca Chadwick-Patel), take on the banking elites of the rich boys’ club in an attempt to open the Bank of Dave – a financial establishment for the people of Burnley. The book, by the incomparable Rob Madge, is a fictional yet inspired- and occasionally idealistic- take on the real-life local hero. Moreover, it encapsulates heart, humanity and still manages to have you laugh until your sides hurt. Madge, finely but tastefully, has created a bank of characters who are realistic and, although stereotypical, human and not to the detriment of others.

Madge also takes the helm on the punchy lyrics, alongside Pippa Cleary who additionally provides the music for the piece, incorporating various genres but with enough musical theatre inspiration to keep the show on track. The songs are littered with jokes; most landing perfectly but occasionally do suffer from the sound mix not allowing them to always be heard; leaving your brain trying to catch up before the next corker hits. Tom Marshall’s sound design however, works harmoniously with Ben Cracknell’s lighting to transport the audience on Amy Jane Cook’s stagnant but fluid set, with functional filing cabinets and a cabaret stage that bring levels (and also gives a platform for Cher to bust a tune – it’s no longer Burnley, it’s Chernley…)

Lupton leads the production with ease and brings charisma, humour and warmth to Dave, even in his darker moments, and has undeniable chemistry with the entire cast. Chadwick-Patel is equally as funny as southerner, Hugh and has some of the best one-liners that nod towards the North-South divide.

The supporting cast are magnetic and have an infectious energy sometimes lost in ensemble pieces. Lauryn Redding’s rich and powerful vocals as Alex are exquisite, while Hannah Nuttall as Mavis steals the spotlight even without saying a word. As usual, Elliot Broadfoot is a force to behold, his passion apparent in every scene.

This production is like a homemade pie, a little overstuffed and at times a bit rough around the edges, but has all the ingredients needed to keep the audiences’ interest rates high, and leaves them with a warm and full belly.

Bank of Dave plays at Lowry in Salford until Saturday 16th May before a run at Leicester’s Curve. Further information and booking details can be found here.

Tickets received in exchange for an honest review. #AD

Photography by Mark Brenner.