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Northern Ballet - Gentleman Jack

A co-production with Finnish National Ballet
Thu 04 Jun 2026 - Sat 06 Jun 2026

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 pages, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs with striking honesty and wit.

Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, Anne’s story leaps from page to stage in this thrilling new production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and performed to new live music by Peter Salem.

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

 

Reviews

★★★★★ ‘An exceptional production on every level’ - 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

‘... beautifully complete from start to finish’ - Telegraph & Argus
 
‘It’s bold, beautiful and brilliant’ - Yorkshire Evening Post 

‘From the moment the curtain rose, that history felt incredibly vivid’  - On Yorkshire Magazine 

★★★★ ‘Sassy, confident, determined, humorous, fiery... vulnerable’ - The Yorkshire Gig

‘It’s powerful to watch... a world premiere performance that had the audience on their feet’ - Great British Life

★★★★★ ‘... so stylish that the desire to wrap yourself in it is irresistible’ - The Recs
 

Additional information

  • Age recommendation: 12+ (parental guidance recommended)
  • Content Warnings: Flashing lights, smoke, mist, loud noises, and adult themes
  • Runtime: 1hr 40mins (approx. including interval)

 

Accessible performances

Audio Described | Sat 6 June 2026 at 2.00PM Touch Tour/Insight Workshop: 11.45am – 1pm. 

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Credits

Choreographer: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

Composer: Peter Salem

Dramaturg: Clare Croft

Lighting and Set Designer: Christopher Ash

Costume Designer: Louise Flanagan

Creative Consultant: Sally Wainwright

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