New musical Bank of Dave is set to open in 2026

The musical will premiere at the Lowry on 2nd May before moving to Leicester Curve on 20th May

The story of the new musical is based on the Sunday Times best-selling book and Netflix film on the same title. The real-life story is about Dave Fishwick, a self-made millionaire.

Fishwick said: “This all feels very surreal! I left school at 16, absolutely useless with no qualifications whatsoever. I started work on a building site as a builder’s labourer, and went from builder’s labourer to building the first new high street building for 150 years in Britain. Then Hollywood turned up, not just once but twice! And now the magical world of theatre has arrived; from Burnley to Broadway – via the magnificent Lowry in Salford and Curve in Leicester, first of course! Watching myself on telly was unbelievable; however, watching someone play me live on stage will be totally surreal. I am just an ordinary lad from Burnley, who does extraordinary things, and if I can make it happen, you can too! Always have the courage to follow your dreams!”

Rob Madge said: “A couple of years ago Pippa Cleary and I were asked to turn Dave Fishwick's inspirational story into a musical (I know! You weren't expecting that, were you? But, much like Miss Saigon, Dave too has a helicopter, so a musical seemed a natural fit). Safe to say, it has been nothing short of a joy. I am deeply proud to be telling this special tale of community, hope and perseverance. In a world that seems more fractured every day, I am so thrilled to be offering an alternative where our Dave and his brilliant company of players can help mend the broken pieces. As he himself would say, rule number 1: never give up. Rule number 2: never, ever give up.”

Pippa Cleary said:  “I couldn't be more thrilled to be developing this brand-new musical with the amazing Rob Madge. The whole process has been filled with laughter and a real sense of purpose, just like Dave's story itself. Writing these songs has been such a joy, capturing the humour, grit and heart that makes this tale so uniquely British. We've had an absolute blast bringing Dave's fight for fairness to life, and I can't wait for audiences to experience it for themselves next year.”

The new musical is produced by ROYO, Future Artists Entertainment, Curve and Lowry. Katie Lander is the consultant for Finestripe Productions.