Northern Ballet’s Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, attended the opening night of Gentleman Jack at Sadler’s Wells where the ballet enjoyed its London premiere.
The Duke of Edinburgh has long supported Northern Ballet and became Royal Patron in 2003, following in the footsteps of HRH Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden who was previously Royal Patron until her death in 2002. His Royal Highness always takes time to meet the dancers and creative teams behind the company’s productions during his visits to Northern Ballet.
On Tuesday 19th May Gentleman Jack, Northern Ballet’s newest production inspired by the life of 19th century Yorkshire icon Anne Lister, opened at Sadler’s Wells to a full house and standing ovation. During the interval The Duke met some of Northern Ballet’s key supporters alongside some of the best of British TV and stage talent. Also in attendance was Sally Wainwright OBE, creator of the popular BBC/HBO series also titled Gentleman Jack and Creative Consultant on the ballet.
Following the performance, His Royal Highness went backstage with Artistic Director Federico Bonelli to meet members of Northern Ballet, including dancers and the technical team.
Federico Bonelli said:
“It is always a special moment to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to one of our performances and even more so when he comes backstage to see the hard work of everyone involved in Northern Ballet’s productions. We are incredibly grateful for his ongoing patronage of the company and delighted His Royal Highness could see this landmark new production”
Gentleman Jack was awarded the FEDORA - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025 which recognises productions that reimagine dance for the 21st century, rethinking how ballets are created and who they are created for. The ballet is choreographed by the multi-award-winning Annabelle Lopez Ochoa who created the story alongside dramaturg Clare Croft. Featuring music by Peter Salem, sets by Christopher Ash and costumes by Louise Flanagan the ballet has received critical and audience acclaim during its premiere tour. Following Sadler’s Wells the ballet visits Norwich Theatre Royal, The Lowry in Salford and Bradford Alhambra Theatre.
Gentleman Jack is a co-production of Northern Ballet and Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
Principal supporter
Production supported by
Photos of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with Northern Ballet dancers and staff at Sadler's Wells taken by Isabella Turolla.
More from Northern Ballet
