The BBC costume drama 'Gentleman Jack' has been hailed as 'just about perfect' by viewers and critics alike, with many praising its historical accuracy and stunning settings. The series, which first aired on the BBC in 2019, is based on the extraordinary true story of Anne Lister, a 19th-century industrialist and landowner who is often referred to as the 'first modern lesbian' due to her detailed diaries chronicling her relationships with women.
An Outstanding Period Piece
Written and directed by Sally Wainwright, the creator of 'Happy Valley' and 'Last Tango in Halifax', 'Gentleman Jack' stars Suranne Jones as Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle as her partner, Ann Walker. The production is a collaboration between the BBC and HBO, and filming took place at various locations across North and West Yorkshire, with Lister's actual home, Shibden Hall, serving as a primary filming location.
Shibden Hall: A Tudor Gem
Shibden Hall is an exquisite Tudor manor house built in 1420, now operating as a museum where visitors can learn about the lives of those who lived and worked there, including Anne Lister. The Grade II listed mansion near Halifax features a blend of architectural styles from different eras, along with a 17th-century aisled barn and workshop buildings. Beyond the main building, the restored grounds of Shibden Park offer amenities such as a boating lake, woodland paths, a children's play area, and a miniature railway.
Suranne Jones spoke about filming at Shibden Hall, saying: 'It still blows my mind when I say that we filmed at Shibden. When I'm walking in Anne Lister's footsteps, I am literally walking into her house, up her stairs, eating in her dining room, doing business deals where she did business deals, surveying the same land, and walking where she walked.'
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
'Gentleman Jack' ran for two series before being cancelled, but it remains available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The show has garnered widespread praise on IMDb, with one reviewer giving it a 9/10 rating and calling it 'just about perfect', adding: 'Everything is awesome - characters, dialog, story, clothes, especially the music, and the scenery. I wish more shows were this good. It has held my attention from the very first minute.'
Another viewer awarded it 10/10, stating: 'Gentleman Jack is by far, one of the best offerings on HBO in a while. It is lush in the setting, historically appropriate to the era and consistently presents glorious attention to detail!' A third review declared: 'Enjoying every minute of this outstanding series. I rarely give a 10 star rating but this one captures a top rating from me. Highly worth your time.'
Streaming Now
For those who have yet to experience this acclaimed drama, 'Gentleman Jack' is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering a captivating blend of historical authenticity, compelling storytelling, and breathtaking scenery.
