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. 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 by Claire Cowan.
A co-production with Finnish National Ballet.
Creative Team
- Choreographer
- Composer
- Dramaturg
- Lighting and Set Designer
- Costume Designer
- Creative Consultant
- Assistant Choreographer
- Music Advisor
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- Martin Georgiev
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Who was Anne Lister?
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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.
Help support Gentleman Jack
We’ve been nominated and now we need your help...
Our new ballet Gentleman Jack, touring in 2026, has been shortlisted for the Fedora 2025 Van Cleef & Arpels Dance Prize for innovation, which celebrates and supports the creation of productions that reimagine dance for the 21st Century.
We need your help to do what we do best here at Northern Ballet and transform the tale of this incredible figure of Northern history into a ballet for audiences across the UK.
Header photo by Guy Farrow featuring dancers Gemma Coutts and Alessandra Bramante.
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