With its sharp script and gender-fluid lead character, Gentleman Jack is far from your average period drama.
The eight-part mini-series, which lands on BBC One tonight, tells the story of Anne Lister, a Victorian landowner and industrialist who is often described as ‘the first modern lesbian.’
With Suranne Jones in the leading role and a script from one of Britain’s most acclaimed screenwriters, the show has already proved a hit with critics in the United States, where it is currently airing on HBO.
Here’s everything you need to know before the series kicks off.
What is Gentleman Jack all about?
The new series starts off in 1832, as Anne Lister returns to her family’s rundown ancestral home in Halifax after learning that her aristocratic lover has accepted a marriage proposal from a man.
Though initially disheartened, she soon discovers that her land is rich in coal and embarks on an enterprising scheme to bring the estate back to its former glory.
Her wealthy neighbour Ann Walker, who is the heiress to a considerable fortune, soon catches her eye.
Is it based on a true story?
The real Anne Lister was born in Halifax in 1791 and became notorious for
Born in Halifax in 1791, Anne Lister smashed through the narrow gender norms of the Victorian period. She became notorious in her hometown for dressing in a traditionally masculine manner; her fondness for typically male pursuits earned her the name Gentleman Jack.
The show is based on detailed diaries kept by the real-life Lister from the age of 15. She wrote them using an intricate code that blended algebra with the Greek alphabet, allowing her to document her love affairs with other women without risking discovery.
Who wrote Gentleman Jack?
Anne’s story has been adapted for the small screen by Sally Wainwright, the BAFTA-winning writer behind series like Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax and Scott & Bailey (which also starred Jones, alongside Happy Valley’s Sally Lindsay).
The multi-talented Wainwright will also direct the series, telling the BBC: “I am delighted to be working with Suranne once again, not just as a writer this time, but as a director.
“Bringing Anne Lister to life with all her complexity, passion, brilliance and wit is an epic challenge that will require all the boldness, subtlety, energy and humour that I know only Suranne will bring to it.”
Who is in the cast?
Jones is joined by Gemma Whelan (most recently seen as Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones) as Anne’s younger sister Marian, who disapproves of her sibling’s idiosyncrasies.
Last Tango in Halifax’s Timothy West plays their father, while Gemma Jones (best known as Bridget Jones’ on-screen mum) appears as their elderly Aunt Anne.
Bodyguard’s Sophie Rundle also stars as wealthy heiress Ann Walker.
When is Gentleman Jack on TV?
Having already premiered on HBO in the United States, the series will kick off on BBC One on Sunday, May 19 at 9pm, and will also be available to steam on demand in BBC iPlayer.
The following seven episodes will be broadcast at the same time on subsequent Sundays.
