NORTHERN BALLET’S GENTLEMAN JACK REVIEW
BRADFORD ALHAMBRA THEATRE
FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2026 @ 2PM
5/5
I’m treating you to two theatre reviews in the space of a week as I head out to Bradford to see a brand new ballet. I was beyond excited for this one, as the storyline was different from a typical ballet. This time, it’s the Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Everyone knows that I’m a fan of going to the ballet. Whilst I love the classics, it’s always intriguing to see new works, and Northern Ballet loves to bring new ballets to the stage. However, I’m not that familiar with Gentleman Jack, other than hearing about the TV show a little when it was on the BBC. This is the first time in ages that I’ve gone to a ballet completely unknown to me, but I was excited to see something fresh.
THE CAST
Our leading lady, Anne Lister, was played by Nida Aydinoglu. Let me start by saying she’s a powerhouse. You get the no-nonsense attitude from her right off the bat. But when she falls in love, you get a more vulnerable side. Aydinoglu’s performance had me feeling all of the feels, as you really go through a rollercoaster of emotions with her. Her technique is flawless. I love that this role allows her to show her strength as well as her softer side whenever she’s with a woman.
Anne’s first love, Mariana Lawton, was played by Saeka Shirai, who I’ve seen in numerous Northern Ballet productions before. She has the most beautiful acting skills, which differentiates her from many ballerinas that I’ve seen. She’s always a breeze on stage because she uses her entire body to dance. Obviously, her ballet skills are incredible, but I adore a dancer who can emote!
Anne’s final love, Ann Walker, was played by Aerys Merrill, who is fast becoming one of my favourites to watch. She’s a petite woman, but she has such dynamic stage presence. In this role, she’s fun to watch. Her chemistry with Aydinoglu during their secret pas de deux is outstanding. Again, she has gorgeous technique, and she’s a standout with this company.
Finally, Anne’s family is played by Heather Lehan (Aunt Anne), Harry Skoupas (Uncle James) and Harriet Marden (sister Marian). This trio is so in sync with each other, performing what I’m coining ‘tea-ography’. They support Anne’s right to love who she chooses to, despite it being frowned upon at the time.
THE PRODUCTION
Of course, the corps pretty much carry the show. They move a lot of the props during the show. However, it’s always incorporated into the choreography, instead of just plonking a chair or table on the stage. Each of them has out-of-this-world technique, but I’m not surprised. Northern Ballet employs some of the most talented dancers I’ve ever seen.
I’ll start with the choreography (obviously), which is the main highlight. Sure, there are some traditional elements, but most of it is very contemporary. From Anne moving more masculine, to partnering between those of the same gender, you’re in for a real treat if you’re a lover of dance.
The music, conducted by Daniel Parkinson, is in a similar vein. Whilst there is a full orchestra, there are plenty of guitars and drums on this soundtrack. I swear some of the music felt familiar, despite never seeing the TV show.
One of the other highlights was the set design. The show starts with an empty stage apart from the dancers, and the backdrops remain plain throughout. However, with the use of screens on wheels, which double up as bookshelves during the piece, you know exactly where each scene is set. I loved the use of a moving treadmill on the stage for some stylised walking!
The costuming during the piece is stunning, from Anne’s fitted suit (I was surprised how she could move in those trousers), complete with waistcoat, coat and top hat as expected. The women throughout wear gorgeous gowns with a leotard underneath, revealed in many a scene. I particularly loved the word-themed leotards where the corps would surround Anne whilst she was writing letters to her lovers. It is a really clever use of costuming with zero props involved, other than a feathered pen.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite going into the ballet completely blind, I genuinely thought it was magnificent. I really hope that it takes off as a piece, because I think it’s something that everyone should see. In fact, the gentleman next to me had never been to a ballet before, as he’s never fancied some of the traditional ballets, yet he thought Gentleman Jack was phenomenal. I think I even saw him shed a tear at times!
If you’re looking for a traditional ballet, this is not it. Also, if you’re homophobic, it’s probably not for you either. Calling it ‘a bit lesbiany’ as a woman behind me in the audience said with a condescending tone, maybe do some research before booking your tickets. Be respectful of other audience members, because I imagine there were plenty of LGBTQI+ folk in the audience (despite it being 90% OAPs).
Despite some remarks, it seemed like the majority of the audience was in awe of the performance, considering the standing ovation it received. I recommend any Northern Ballet show, though, as they’re always outstanding! In fact, I have Wuthering Heights and Cinderella booked already. I just love a day or night at the ballet!
If you enjoyed this blog post of Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack review, you can check out my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
