Wearing a black top hat and pointe shoes, the character of Gentleman Jack looks directly at the camera hands on a cane, a woman in pink hold onto her and leans back suggestively
World Premiere

Gentleman Jack

Masters of storytelling Northern Ballet bring to the stage the extraordinary story of Anne Lister – better known as Gentleman Jack. 

A powerful Yorkshire woman, it was only after her death when her secret diaries were decoded that a truly exceptional life was uncovered. Described by some as the "first modern lesbian", Anne lived, dressed and loved as she desired, not as 19th century society expected her to. With her words dancing across the page, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs. 

Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, this thrilling production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is performed to new live music.

"This is some of the sexiest choreography I’ve seen in a while"
The Guardian
"An exceptional production on every level... An absolute must-see"
The Yorkshire Post
"A sensuous ballet salutes the first modern lesbian"
The Times
"...a compelling and inventive piece of storytelling, full of warmth, humour and moments of genuine beauty"
The Reviews Hub
"...a charged and sexy ballet... sits on the edge of dance evolution..."
Northern Arts Review
Literally in a picture frame, Anne Lister stands hands and feet together, wearing a long black coat, a hat and holding a cane.
In a dressing room a group of women wearing similar dresses with different accent colours dance around Anne Lister who lifts her hat in respect to them
A woman in dark cloths sits on a bench while another in a pale blue dress stands arabesque penché holding her shoulders behind her
A woman in a blue dress looks lovingly at a woman holding her chin, she is held from behind by a man looking angry and be him is another woman looking concerned
Anne Lister his held aloft by her words (a group of dancers gathered closely around her lifting her by her legs)

Gentleman Jack is a co-production of Northern Ballet and Finnish National Opera and Ballet.

Creative Team

Choreographer
Composer
Dramaturg
Lighting and Set Designer
Costume Designer
Creative Consultant
Choreography Consultant

Who was Anne Lister?

Anne Lister, or Gentleman Jack as she became known, lived at Halifax’s Shibden Hall. She made her mark as she refused to live like society expected her – dressing how she wanted, running her business how she chose and, if the rumours were true, scandalising 19th century sensibilities through her romances with women. After her death, when her diaries were decoded, the rumours were proved correct. Anne’s love affairs with society women were uncovered as well as insights into her business know-how and determination to make Shibden Hall a great country estate. Now often called ‘the first modern lesbian’, her diaries, landownership, travels and business ventures have captivated audiences around the world.

Part of Leeds 400

Help support Gentleman Jack

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Fedora - Van Cleef & Arpels Dance Prize 2025 Winner
Principal supporter
Production supported by

Header photo by Guy Farrow featuring dancers Gemma Coutts and Alessandra Bramante. Other photos by Emily Nuttall, Tristram Kenton, Colleen Mair and Scott Salt.