Northern ballet's gentleman jack puts lesbian love centre stage in a stylish production

Northern Ballet's new show, Gentleman Jack, is a groundbreaking work that puts lesbian love centre stage in a traditionally conservative art form.

Based on the life of anne lister

Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa has crafted a narrative ballet that adheres to the strict storytelling and technical demands of the genre while still boldly exploring the life and loves of 19th century landowner Anne 'Gentleman Jack' Lister.

Played by Gemma Coutts, Lister is portrayed as a strong, self-assured woman who defies convention in her personal and professional life.

The ballet's centerpiece is a passionately charged pas de deux between Lister and her great love Mariana, danced with searing intensity by Saeka Shirai.

Other notable performances come from Rachael Gillespie as Ann Walker, who experiences a whirlwind of emotions upon meeting Lister, and Peter Salem's evocative score that perfectly captures the drama and longing.

While Lopez Ochoa's choreography is at times limited in its visual vocabulary, it effectively sets out a clear world and provides the audience with tangible, memorable imagery.

Christopher Ash's effective set design uses moving bookcases as screens for glimpses of landscape and cityscape, adding a touch of wit to the production.

Gentleman Jack is a milestone in ballet, offering a rare and significant representation of lesbian love on the stage. Its accessible, stylish presentation makes it an engaging watch for both ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike.