Back to NewsSupport sustainable innovation in opera and dance
Outdated browser
Gentleman Jack © Northern Ballet i
News
“Gentleman Jack” Premieres in Leeds: Reimagining History Through Dance and Storytelling
Industry News, Winners
Gentleman Jack, the groundbreaking new ballet from Northern Ballet and winner of the FEDORA – VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025, will have its world premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre on 7 March 2026.
Gentleman Jack was awarded the FEDORA – VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025, championing innovation in dance by supporting projects that rethink how the art form can speak to contemporary audiences. The Prize is supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, in collaboration with Opera Europa. The FEDORA Prizes competition is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission.
About the Project
A major new full-length production inspired by the remarkable life of Anne Lister (1791–1840), Gentleman Jack brings to the stage the story of the Yorkshire landowner, diarist, and trailblazer whose vivacious spirit, entrepreneurial prowess and passionate relationships were famously chronicled in her diaries, and later inspired the acclaimed BBC/HBO television series. Often described as "the first modern lesbian", Lister’s life resonates as a powerful celebration of independence, identity and courage.
Gentleman Jack blends dynamic choreography with compelling narrative and original music. The production features choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (known for her works Frida and Coco Chanel) along with choreography consultant Jemima Brown, an original score by composer Peter Salem, and contributions from costume designer Louise Flanagan, dramaturg Clare Croft, and lighting designer Christopher Ash. Writer Sally Wainwright, creator of the BBC series Gentleman Jack, serves as creative consultant.
World Premiere and UK Tour
The ballet will premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre from 7–14 March 2026, with performances continuing on tour throughout the UK, including stops in Sheffield, Nottingham, London, Norwich, Salford and Bradford, before an international presentation with the Finnish National Opera & Ballet in Helsinki in 2028.
Alongside the production, Northern Ballet’s Learning team will launch an extensive education programme designed to explore themes of identity, allyship and compassion with young audiences, offering schools workshops and engagement activities rooted in the story’s spirit.
A Story for Our Time
From bold choreography to evocative music and design, Gentleman Jack represents a landmark in ballet storytelling, centring an extraordinary historical figure whose legacy continues to inspire discussions about gender, resilience and belonging. This premiere invites audiences to witness ballet reimagined, as both profound personal narrative and universal artistic expression.
© Northern Ballet i
Tickets and Information
Buy your ticket for Gentleman Jack at Leeds Grand Theatre. Performances begin 7 March 2026.
© FEDORA Platform i
"Gentleman Jack" Winner Interview at the FEDORA Prizes Biennale 2025
Watch the exclusive winner interview from Louise Flanagan, Costume Designer of Gentleman Jack, and Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet.
Prizes & Grants
Cultural Network
Support
More Infos
©2026 - Fedora
