Gentleman Jack

Yorkshire, 1810.  Anne Lister, a landowner and secret diarist, is a gentlewoman that defies convention.  As Britain’s first modern lesbian, in a time when it is difficult just being female, Anne embarks on her life’s mission, to fall in love and find someone to share her world with.

But her pursuit of happiness is threatened by a scandalised society, and Anne must fight to live the way she wants to.  Based on true events, Gentleman Jack is a passionate and dramatic tale of love and survival in the face of prejudice.

Thirteen-time Off West End Award Nominated Arrows & Traps Theatre return to the Jack after their sold-out run of Dracula, with a five-week season of two brand new historical plays about a pair of remarkable female pioneers, performed in repertory by a single cast.

Gentleman Jack has been nominated for TWO Off West End Awards: Best New Play & Best Director (Ross McGregor).

Press for this production

The play is based on a true story that utterly enthralls... always intelligent, sensitive and profound ★★★★ London Pub Theatres

Ross McGregor’s new play tells Anne Lister’s story with flair and sensitivity in the gloriously recognisable Arrows & Traps style… When her story is told in such an honest and moving way with such magnificent stagecraft, and by such a talented ensemble, it makes for unmissable theatre. ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

Tremendous acting, wonderful writing, and a fantastic look into the past of an incredible woman… This is an important show for understanding the true story of on incredible woman fighting hard for equality, but also for reflecting on just how far we’ve come, and feeling gratitude towards the trailblazers like Anne who lit the way for so many other women. Don’t miss this. ★★★★ Everything Theatre

The quality of the writing is matched by that of the production… it still retains the distinctive Arrows style and is, as always, acted with complete conviction by the cast. As a director, Ross McGregor has an incredible eye for talent and every performance is excellent… A fascinating story brought to life with sensitivity and more than a little humour, it makes for an evening that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining.  Theatre Things

the ensemble maintain the remarkable standards that Arrows & Traps have set for themselves: Laurel Marks is a stand-out as Tib, hopelessly in love with the young Anne, and Hannah Victory also shines as Ann Walker, the woman who would become Anne’s wife. An illuminating work of biography, a compelling piece of LGBT+ history, above all an enjoyable work of theatre. There Ought to be Clowns

There is so much to enjoy in Gentleman Jack. There is a wonderful ensemble of actors telling this beautiful story that remained hidden until 1988 when Helena Whitbread decoded and published the diaries. Southwark News