Decoding the story of Gentleman Jack

Tell us a bit about your dance journey – how long have you been dancing with Northern Ballet?

Gemma Coutts – playing Anne Lister (19th century icon and Yorkshire woman, described by some as the ‘first modern lesbian’).

“I grew up in Thailand, where I attended my first ballet school. At the age of 16, I joined the English National Ballet School and graduated in 2021. After this, I joined Northern Ballet where I am now in my fifth season with the company.”

Rachael Gillespie – playing Ann Walker (Anne Lister’s long-term partner and eventual wife).

“I have been dancing with Northern Ballet for 18 years.”

Saeka Shirai – playing Marianna Lawton (The friend and lover of Anne Lister who breaks Anne’s heart by marrying Charles Lawton).

“I’m from Osaka, Japan and trained with the Yuki Ballet Studio and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. I danced with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet for four years and then with Poznan Opera Ballet for two. This is my fourth season with Northern Ballet.”

How have you found the process of working with Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (choreographer) to create the ballet and originate this role?

Gemma Coutts

“I have really enjoyed working with Annabelle. She is a passionate woman who knows what she wants. This means that we work quickly and with purpose, which suits my style and has allowed us to really dive into the roles.”

Saeka Shirai

“It’s been an inspiring and collaborative process. She knows very clearly what she wants, which I found very similar to Anne Lister herself. That clarity made the creative process focused and exciting, especially when originating a new role.”