The inspirational story of Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick, who challenged the banking establishment to create a community-focused bank, has been transformed into a stage musical. 'Bank of Dave: The Musical' recently opened at The Lowry in Salford, bringing a narrative of local heroism and financial disruption to a theatrical audience. The production aims to capture the spirit of Fishwick's endeavour, which saw him establish a bank dedicated to serving his local town rather than prioritising profit.
The musical, with bright numbers composed by Pippa Cleary, is described as propelling a message of positivity and community empowerment. It delves into the journey of Fishwick, who successfully launched Burnley Savings and Loans, a micro-lender providing accessible finance to local people and businesses. This initiative gained national attention, leading to a Channel 4 documentary and a subsequent Netflix film, both highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of his venture.
A significant theme explored within the musical is the cultural and economic divide between the North and South of England. The narrative, like its predecessors, leans into this contrast, framing Fishwick's grassroots efforts against the backdrop of traditional, often London-centric, financial institutions. While some might argue this aspect is 'overegged', it serves to underscore the local, community-driven nature of Fishwick's enterprise and its perceived challenge to the status quo.
The production's approach has been characterised by an overt desire to be universally appealing and inclusive. Reports suggest a pre-show introduction that aims to familiarise audiences with theatrical conventions and express a shared disdain for conventional bankers. This accessible style appears to be a deliberate choice to ensure the story resonates with a broad demographic, reflecting the everyman appeal of Dave Fishwick himself.
Dave Fishwick's original mission was to create a bank that truly served its community, offering a tangible alternative to high-street lenders. His model focused on returning profits to local causes and fostering economic growth within Burnley. The musical adaptation seeks to celebrate this spirit of entrepreneurship and community support, translating a real-life David-and-Goliath struggle into an engaging theatrical experience for audiences across the UK, particularly those in the North West.
Source: Lowry, Salford