About Gentleman Jack (HBO)

Gentleman Jack is a historical drama television series created by Sally Wainwright. Set in the 19th century, the series is based on the collected diaries of real-life English landowner Anne Lister, which contain over four million words and are written largely in secret code, documenting a lifetime of lesbian relationships. The series first premiered on HBO in 2019.

Making / Production

The series was co-produced by Lookout Point for the BBC and co-produced with HBO. It was produced by Phil Collinson and directed by Sally Wainwright, Sarah Harding, and Jennifer Perrott. The series was filmed on location in Yorkshire.

Actors

• Suranne Jones as Anne Lister: With her charismatic performance, Jones brings life to the role of the industrious, forward-thinking, and feminist Anne Lister.
• Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker: Rundle enacts the role of Walker, a wealthy but delicate woman from a neighbouring estate, with sensitivity.
• Joe Armstrong as Samuel Washington: Armstrong effectively portrays the role of Washington, an unscrupulous businessman.
• Gemma Jones as Aunt Anne Lister: Jones brings sobriety to the role of the aunt of Anne Lister.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is based upon the real-life diaries of Anne Lister, much of which were written in code to hide their content.
• The title 'Gentleman Jack' is derived from a nickname that Anne Lister's contemporaries used for her due to her unconventional behavior for a woman of her times.
• Suranne Jones learned to horse ride for the role of Anne Lister.
• The series filmed on location at the real Shibden Hall, Anne Lister's home.

Quotes

• "I'm well aware of my oddities. I'm eccentric!" - Anne Lister
• "I'm not an innocent, I'm a gentleman." - Anne Lister
• "Marriage without intellectual sympathy is no good." - Anne Lister

Music, Soundtrack

• The show's theme song, "Gentleman Jack," was written and performed by folk singer-songwriter O'Hooley & Tidow.
• The atmospheric music throughout the series was composed by Murray Gold.