We sent Mark Anderson to the Lowry to review and this is what he thought
This new musical has been talked about near & far for a while now, with massive interest surrounding the story behind this small town minibus supplier. But was it as expected?
The Lowry celebrated another first with the premier on the 2nd May, showing of the rags to riches story of self-made successful businessman Dave Fishwick played by Sam Lupton.
The true story depicts the down to earth northerner from Burnley who took on the old boys club of bankers in order to start his own independent bank, the first in the UK in over 100 years. Something that was unheard of in the banking establishment, who would dare raise their hand against a British institution?
Dave spent years helping the local people and small businesses in his home town of Burnley, when hard-nosed banks laughed at him then turned him away..
Frustrated by the system, his idea was to set up his own bank and put the profits straight back into his community.
This inspiring story has bursts onto the stage as a British musical packed humour & whit, from the opening number Burnley Born and Bred through to the closing A Little Change. The show is full of passion and true northern grit. The lyrics are often wickedly clever and pull no punches. Language is used with care to recreate typical Lancashire phrasing and swearing that naturally fits into the story.
Sam Lupton carries the production brilliantly as Dave. The performance turns him into that cute local folk hero, making him warm and believable.
The audience shows that genuine sincerity to him that immediately makes the audience choice. Hayley Tamaddon who plays Nicky Dave’s wife stands out, alongside a strong ensemble cast who keep the energy high throughout.
The baddie is Lucca Chadwick-Patel whose role of the London lawyer sent up to advise Dave on his bid to create a bank turns in a performance well worth singling out.
He’s initially there to fleece the Dave, but turns rogue and is won over to the cause.
His song What Heroes Do is one of the many stand-out musical moments in the show.
The Musical is a tremendously likable show; it’s honest, consistent & down-to-earth.
It’s never going to be a Broadway smash hit. But that’s not expected, from start to finish it has that feel good factor about it.
