Gentleman Jack

About Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack is an enthralling drama television series, first aired in 2019. It is a historical drama developed by Sally Wainwright and revolves around the life of Anne Lister. Set in the year 1832, the series is based on the collected diaries of Lister, which contain over four million words and are written largely in secret code, documenting a lifetime of lesbian relationships. The nickname 'Gentleman Jack' was given by Lister's contemporaries because of her love for activities that were not ordinary for women of her time.

Making / Production

The series was created by British screenwriter Sally Wainwright, produced by Lookout Point for the BBC, and co-produced with HBO. The show features aholysitic representation of 19th century lesbian life. It took meticulous research, detail-oriented set designs and costumes, and intricate scripts to bring Anne Lister's world to life on screen.

Actors

• Suranne Jones as Anne Lister: She brilliantly portrays Lister's charisma, wit, and determination. She embodies the role with charm, making Anne's complex personality shine.
• Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker: Plays the shy and wealthy heiress who becomes Anne's love interest. Her portrayal of vulnerability, coupled with strength, adds another dimension to the storyline.
• Gemma Whelan as Marian Lister: As Anne's sister, she portrays the frustration and contrasting lifestyle with authenticity.
• Timothy West as Jeremy Lister: As the ailing father of Anne, he provides an old-world charm and power to his role.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show is inspired from real-life person and her diaries that weren't deciphered until the 1930s.
• 'Gentleman Jack' was a derogatory term used by townsfolk to describe Anne Lister due to her unconventional ways.
• Despite its setting, the series was mostly filmed in and around Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Awards

Gentleman Jack has been nominated for several awards and won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2020.

Quotes

• "I was born like this, why should I compromise myself?" - Anne Lister
• "I'm not a man, I never have been. The best I'll ever be able to do is a female impersonation." - Anne Lister

Music, Soundtrack

• "Gentleman Jack Opening Title Music" by Oli Julian
• "Halifax" by Murray Gold
• "Copenhagen" by Murray Gold