A solicitor says meeting the actor who plays him in a new Salford stage show was a “once in a lifetime” experience.
Keith Arrowsmith was one of two lawyers who advised “Bank of Dave” businessman Dave Fishwick on how to launch a fairer kind of lender that put people ahead of profit.
Their momentous journey, set in Burnley, Lancashire, was first brought to public attention in a 2012 Channel 4 documentary. Just over a decade later, the real-life story was turned into a ratings-beating Netflix film of the same name. A sequel, Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, followed last year.
The “triumph of the little man” tale continues to strike a chord and has now been reimagined as a feel-good stage musical.
It tells the “true-ish” story of how Dave established Burnley Savings and Loans, which is the Bank of Dave’s legal name.
In the show, Keith and corporate lawyer Chris Moss have been merged into one character to simplify the storytelling.
“Posh but principled” lawyer Hugh is played by award-winning actor Lucca Chadwick Patel and Keith was delighted to meet him at the launch of Bank of Dave: The Musical at the Lowry theatre in Salford. In the Netflix film, the role was taken on by actor Joel Fry.
Keith, who now heads up ProArtsPlus, a consultancy company advising cultural organisations and charities across the UK, said he didn’t see much of himself, a self-described “adopted northerner and working class lad from Essex”, in the character, but that he appreciated the representation.
He said: “Seeing my time spent working alongside Dave Fishwick turned into a film and now a musical is certainly one of the most unlikely events in my career.
“It’s not every day the work of a solicitor ends up in the spotlight and I really enjoyed seeing the story unfold on stage. It was even more special for me, as a lifelong theatre fan who works with many performing arts companies.
“Back in the early 2010s, myself and Chris got to the bottom of very complex rules and regulations and came up with a plan that allowed Dave to operate his fledgling ethical lending company successfully and legally.
“I have always seen my role as helping people realise their dreams, while making sure they have sound legal advice to make plans into reality. And Dave’s tale is just one of those stories that captured the public’s imagination.”
With music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾), Bank of Dave: The Musical is at the Lowry in Salford until 16 May.
Dave himself described the show as having “the humour of The Full Monty with the spirit of Billy Elliot, but with a few more ba*tard bankers, and an unlikely hero from Burnley.” He also said the show featured “the best songs in any musical ever.”
Theatre fan Keith said: “Bank of Dave is more than just a finance story. It’s about believing in yourself, fighting for what’s right, and the power of community.
“Whether you watch the documentary, the film, or now, the musical, you’re sure to be inspired by Dave Fishwick’s remarkable journey.”
Bank of Dave: The Musical is at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, until 16 May 2026. Tickets start at £34.50 and are available to purchase here.
