Northern Ballet’s World Premiere of ‘Gentleman Jack’ – Review

Gemma Coutts and Alessandra Bramante in Gentleman Jack. Photo Guy Farrow.

This weekend, Leeds Grand Theatre hosted the world premiere of Northern Ballet’s ‘Gentleman Jack’, a captivating new show celebrating the life of the 19th century Yorkshire icon, Anne Lister. TSOTA went along to the opening night to watch the story of the “first modern lesbian” unfold through the medium of dance. 

Northern Ballet’s ‘Gentleman Jack’ is a powerful retelling of an important historical moment, highlighting the unconventional life and captivating work of Yorkshirewoman Anne Lister. The diaries of Anne Lister, which were discovered and decoded after her death, reveal a fiercely independent businesswoman whose life, fashion and love defied the expectations of 19th century society.

 Since her death, her story has inspired biographies, novels and television adaptations, most notably the acclaimed BBC/HBO TV series ‘Gentleman Jack’. Now, under Artistic Director Federico Bonelli, Northern Ballet brings Lister’s life to the stage, transforming her unique story into dance in their first large-scale commission since 2021. 

Gemma Coutts and Saeka Shirai in Gentleman Jack. Image Credit: Emily Nuttall.

Choreographed by the multi-award-winning Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, the ballet was created by a predominantly female creative team. Dance Artist and singer/songwriter Jemima Brown (Choreography Consultant) and Sally Wainwright (series-writer of the BBC/HBO TV series ‘Gentleman Jack’) are collaborating as part of the production, which was performed to new, live music composed by Peter Salem. Salem’s music underlined the emotion of the ballet, driving the story forward and providing poignant moments for reflection, as well as instances of comedic relief. 

To create a story that stays true to Anne Lister’s life but reimagines it for a modern audience, Annabelle has worked closely alongside dramaturg, Clare Croft (a dance theorist, historian and author of ‘Jill Johnston in Motion: Dance, Writing, and Lesbian Life’). The ballet draws inspiration from Anne’s journals, recreating elements of her life detailed in the pages to follow her experiences as a female landowner navigating the complexities of queer love and societal expectations in a patriarchal world. 

One of the most moving aspects of the story is the exploration of Anne’s relationship with Mariana Lawton, thought to be the true love of her life, who is unable to choose love due to societal pressure and expectation. The passion and pain involved in this love affair is perfectly captured by the dance and complemented by the live orchestra. Later, the depiction of Anne’s wedding to Ann Walker, believed to be Britain’s first recorded lesbian wedding, contrasts the solemn loss of love with Mariana to provide a more hopeful and joyful end to the story.

Northern Ballet dancers in Gentleman Jack. Photo: Emily Nuttall.

The show has already gained international recognition, with Gentleman Jack winning the FEDORA – VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025. The prize recognises productions that reimagine dance for the 21st century, rethinking how ballets are created and who they are created for. After touring the UK this year, in April 2028, the Finnish National Ballet and Opera will perform the show in Helsinki. 

Beyond the stage, ‘Gentleman Jack’ also aims to spark conversation and learning. Northern Ballet’s Learning Team is launching an education program in comprehensive schools, which will explore themes of identity, allyship and compassion. Inspired by Scottish Ballet’s Safe to Be Me program, the initiative will support young people to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and express themselves. In this way, Northern Ballet hopes to make a lasting impact. 

‘Gentleman Jack’ is a show that certainly does not disappoint. Its creative staging, impressive costuming and powerful use of movement invites audiences to reimagine Anne Lister’s story through dance, celebrating the individuality that arises from defying convention. 

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‘Gentleman Jack’ is now showing at Leeds Grand Theatre until 14th March 2026. It will then tour Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (from 31 March – 4 April) and Bradford Alhambra Theatre (from 3-5 September). Visit Northern Ballet’s website to book tickets and read more about the show.