Northern Ballet’s Gentlemen Jack at The Lowry – A powerful story of queer love

Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack is a moving and beautifully crafted retelling of the life of Anne Lister, the 19th-century Yorkshire landowner often described as the ‘first modern lesbian’.

Through the stunning choreography of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, the production captures not only Anne’s extraordinary determination to live authentically, but also the enduring power of queer love.

Gemma Coutts delivers a compelling performance as Anne Lister, embodying her confidence, intelligence and refusal to conform to society’s expectations. From the opening scenes, Anne’s strength of character shines through, setting the tone for a story that feels both deeply historical and strikingly relevant. The choreography from Ochoa allows Anne’s personality to shine through every movement.

Halfway through Act I, Saeka Shirai joins the ensemble as Marianne, Anne’s great love. Their partnership is one of the production’s highlights. The pair beautifully convey the intensity of their passion and devotion, so much so that it moved me to tears.

Surrounding them is a fascinating chorus of words, embodied by the ensemble dancers, who fill the stage and bring Anne’s famous diaries and inner thoughts vividly to life, you truly feel like you’re getting lost with the words as they take over the stage.

The romance is tested when Marianne’s husband discovers their affair. Faced with an impossible choice, Marianne chooses the security of her marriage over a life with Anne, leaving Anne heartbroken.

Following this loss, Anne travels to Paris and returns transformed, once she’s back home in Yorkshire, she forms an immediate connection with the gentle and wealthy Ann Walker, danced beautifully by Rachael Gillespie. Their relationship becomes the emotional centre of Act II.

Together they face numerous challenges, including societal pressures and personal insecurities, yet their bond continues to deepen – a true testament to queer love.

Ochoa carefully builds their relationship through movement, creating a partnership that feels authentic and symbolic. The ballet ends in a symbolic wedding and shared flight towards a future together, a powerful affirmation of their love and commitment.

As a queer woman myself, I was completely moved by this portrayal of love. Seeing a same-sex relationship presented with such beauty, dignity and tenderness within the classical language of ballet felt deeply moving.

Gentleman Jack reminds us that queer women have always been here, and always will be. It is a powerful, emotional and uplifting production that I would highly recommend.

Gentleman Jack is at The Lowry in Salford until Saturday 6 June

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Featured image: Emily Nuttall