Northern Ballet is creating a new full-length ballet about the extraordinary life of Anne Lister - better known to TV fans as Gentleman Jack, the historical Yorkshire figure (1791-1840) often referred to as “the first modern lesbian”. Lister’s diaries have captivated readers around the world.
Gentleman Jack will open in Leeds before touring to Sheffield, Nottingham, Salford, London and Norwich in the spring of 2026. As Northern Ballet's first large-scale commission since 2021 and the first under artistic diirector Federico Bonelli, Gentleman Jack marks a milestone for the company.
This new work will explore the narrative of the fiercely independent woman, who defied society’s conventions. Lister's remarkable life inspired Sally Wainwright’s hugely popular TV series, which starred Suranne Jones from 2019. Wainwright will join the artistic team, which includes choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and New Zealand-based composer Claire Cowan, as a creative consultant.
The work has already been shortlisted for the Fedora 2025 Van Cleef & Arpels Dance Prize for innovation, which supports the creation of productions that reimagine dance for the 21st Century.
As part of the nomination, Fedora is helping to run a crowdfunding campaign to raise over £10,000 to kick-start the production’s creation.
Artistic Director Federico Bonelli said: "Like many, I first became aware of Anne Lister through the BBC drama and have been fascinated by how the traditionally-gendered language of classical ballet could be adapted to convey her story.
"Lister’s story is a perspective we rarely see represented through ballet. With her connection to our home in Yorkshire it feels like a perfect fit and I am thrilled Annabelle Lopez Ochoa will choreograph this ballet alongside a talented creative team."
Sally Wainwright said: "It's so exciting to see Anne Lister's influence and legacy continue to expand; it's a thrilling opportunity to present her to the world in a new way."
Northern Ballet is producing the work alongside the Finnish National Opera and Ballet company, which will present the new work in Helsinki in April 2028.
More info here