The world premiere of Northern Ballet’s ground-breaking new production, Gentleman Jack, is set to captivate audiences at the Lyceum Theatre from Tuesday 31st March to Saturday 4th April. The ballet brings the extraordinary life of 19th-century Yorkshire icon Anne Lister to the stage through the powerful medium of dance.
Anne Lister, often described as the “first modern lesbian,” lived and loved on her own terms, defying the strict societal expectations of her era. Following her death, her diaries were discovered and decoded, revealing the life of a bold, independent businesswoman and passionate traveller who refused to conform.
While Lister’s story has previously inspired a hit TV series and various novels, this production marks the first time her life has been interpreted as a large-scale ballet. It is Northern Ballet’s first major commission since 2021 and the first under the leadership of Artistic Director Federico Bonelli.
The production features a majority female artistic team, including:
- Annabelle Lopez Ochoa: Multi-award-winning choreographer.
- Jemima Brown: Choreography consultant and singer-songwriter.
- Sally Wainwright: Series writer of the BBC/HBO Gentleman Jack TV series.
Performed to a brand-new score by composer Peter Salem, the production is a collaboration with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Tickets are available now through the Sheffield Theatres Box Office or online, offering audiences a rare chance to see a local Yorkshire legend celebrated on the world stage.
