Power, Passion and Pointe Work: Northern Ballet Does Anne Lister Justice

Familiar to many thanks to the television series of the same name starring Suranne Jones, the story of Ann Lister has once again been brought to life by Northern Ballet. Set in the 1830s, the plot follows the unconventional life and loves of Anne Lister, who, being a prolific writer, maintained diaries which run to approximately five million words, a proportion of which were written in code. Due to the work completed by Helena Whitbread, who decoded Anne’s diaries, the world is aware of Anne and the life she led.

The role of Anne Lister is one that requires determination and stamina, and this was more than ably fulfilled by Gemma Coutts, who seamlessly transitioned from being a masculine, confident, effective mine owner and businesswoman to a tender and sensual lesbian lover. Each scene being carefully crafted to emphasise the two sides of this extraordinary woman’s character and strength. Notably, in the sections of the ballet when Anne was in a male-dominated environment, the dancing was sharply defined and deliberate, whereas the tender wedding scene between Anne and Ann Walker (Rachael Gillespie) was gracefully portrayed on pointe. They were erotic, tender and beautiful to watch. Similarly, the early love scenes between Anne and Mariana (Saeka Shirai) were sensuous, sexy and utterly convincing.

Co-produced with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, directed by Federico Bonelli and choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa along with Jemima Brown, the production breaks new ground in terms of its subject matter. All have worked in close collaboration with Peter Salem, who has composed the music, which alone is a beautiful and evocative piece of work, under the conductor’s baton of Daniel Parkinson, cleverly depicting and echoing the movement on the stage, in particular the scenes in the mines and, by contrast, the melancholy of the strings during the wedding scenes. The costume designer, Louise Flanagan, has imaginatively created the wardrobe for each dancer. I particularly liked during the love scenes that the sleeves and the skirts were removable and also that the Chorus of Words who surrounded Anne as she wrote her diary were clothed in bodysuits covered in letters or code icons. The lighting and set design by Christopher Ash were similarly simple but effective, with all scenery and props being effortlessly moved and used by the dancers.

Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack is a true story vividly brought to life. It is a powerful retelling of Anne Lister’s unconventional life and loves. She was clearly a single-minded, passionate, independent, and well-travelled businesswoman who had no issue with defying the accepted social norms of the times and, in the process, living her best life. If you like ballet combined with a gritty, but in spirit, true story, this production is definitely a performance you should not miss.

Sheffield Lyceum Until 4th April