Northern Ballet has revealed plans for a major new production based on the life of Anne Lister, the renowned historical figure from Halifax often referred to as ‘Gentleman Jack.’ Set to debut in 2026, the ballet will tell the extraordinary story of Lister, widely recognised as ‘the first modern lesbian,’ whose defiance of 19th-century societal norms and intimate diaries have captured global attention.
The new production, Gentleman Jack, will open in Leeds before touring to Sheffield, Nottingham, Salford, London, and Norwich, accompanied by live music. This will be Northern Ballet’s first large-scale commission since 2021, marking a significant milestone for the company and its Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli.
Anne Lister’s remarkable life gained recent worldwide recognition through the acclaimed BBC/HBO series Gentleman Jack, written by Sally Wainwright and starring Suranne Jones. Northern Ballet will now become the first to adapt her life for the classical ballet stage, in what promises to be a groundbreaking production that reimagines traditional ballet narratives by centring the story of a gay woman.
The artistic team behind the ballet includes acclaimed choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, composer Claire Cowan, and Sally Wainwright, who will serve as a creative consultant. Together, they will bring to life Lister’s story in a fresh and innovative way, showcasing the company’s renowned storytelling ability and exploring new artistic ground.
Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, said:
“Northern Ballet is renowned for our expert storytelling and mastery of ballet technique, and this production will be no exception. Like many, I first became aware of Anne Lister through the BBC drama in 2019 and have been fascinated by how the traditionally gendered language of classical ballet could be adapted to convey her story.
“As an organisation, our aim is to break down barriers to world-class ballet for larger and more diverse audiences. It is my vision to diversify the stories represented in ballet and add to the landscape of the dance sector through stories that connect with audiences. Anne Lister’s story, the story of someone many call the first modern lesbian, 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 that Annabelle Lopez Ochoa will choreograph this ballet alongside a talented creative team.”
Sally Wainwright, the writer behind the Gentleman Jack television series and creative consultant for the ballet, said:
“It’s so exciting to see Anne Lister’s influence and legacy continue to expand and for her life and writing to reach new audiences. What a thrilling opportunity to present Anne Lister to the world in a brand-new way.”
The debut of Gentleman Jack in 2026 is set to be a pioneering moment for Northern Ballet, not only celebrating the life of one of Yorkshire’s most iconic women but also broadening the scope of ballet by introducing a story that resonates with today’s audiences.
For further updates on the production, visit Northern Ballet’s official website.
