Is Gentleman Jack based on a true story?
SURANNE Jones stars in BBC’s drama Gentleman Jack as a fearless and bold lesbian living in the 19th century.
But is the show based on a true story? Here’s what we know.
Is Gentleman Jack based on a true story?
Gentleman Jack is based on a true story about the life of unconventional woman living in the 19th century.
Suranne Jones plays the role of Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack and can also be recognised for starring in Doctor Foster in which she played Gemma Foster.
The actress won the National Television Award for Most Popular Actress and British Soap Award for Best Actress for her role in Doctor Foster.
Suranne is married to BBC producer and scriptwriter Laurence Akers, who used to work as a magazine editor.
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The pair tied the knot in a private ceremony at Islington Town Hall back in August 2015.
She has also starred as Rachel Bailey in the detective series Scott and Bailey.
Screenwriter Sally Wainwright shared: “There are so many facets to her personality.
“She’s so extraordinary. She’s this mass of contradictions. She’s very bold and brilliant. She did so many fantastic extraordinary things.”
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Who is Anne Lister?
Anne Lister was born in 1791 and was well-known for her intellect and gender-defying confidence.
She often stayed with her relatives in Shibden Hall, near Halifax in Yorkshire in the Lister ancestral home.
Her aunt became aware of Anne’s interest in the same sex and accepted her sexual orientation irrespective of the discriminatory views of the time.
What is Gentleman Jack about?
Anne Lister was a savvy businesswoman who bravely went to head-to-head with a fellow business man Christopher Rawson (played by Vincent Franklin) and his brother Jeremiah (played by Shaun Dooley) over negotiations over coal.
The show reveals the life of the real life character who was branded ‘Gentleman Jack’ by the residents of her town.
Anne navigates through a time period where views on homosexuality were unfavourable yet she manages to excel in many ways.
Prior to the launch of the first series, Suranne spoke at an event in Halifax saying: “In the first series it was all about the chase, and if anyone’s been in a relationship or a marriage we all know that the reality is slightly different.
“Suranne is proud that Anne has become a gay icon who has “changed people’s lives.
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“This is something that can start a conversation with people that perhaps they wouldn’t have had tools to do before.
“So it’s an amazing thing to be part of.”