Anne Lister in Media
Films, TV, Podcasts, Music, and More
Anne Lister's life has inspired a wide range of media, offering diverse perspectives and creative interpretations of her story. This page is dedicated to cataloging various films, TV shows, plays, podcasts, music, and fan media related to her story.
From historical commentary to fictional narratives that dramatize her experiences, this list aims to be a comprehensive resource providing summaries, relevant production details, and links to where you can access or purchase the content. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Anne Lister or new to her story, this guide will help you explore and appreciate the many ways her life continues to resonate and inspire!
If you come across any other relevant information that can help clarify or expand the list below, please reach out!
Film and TV
Explore a collection of films and television programs, both documentary and fictional, that portray the life and times of Anne Lister.
Type: TV Series (1994)
Synopsis: Anne Lister, an outwardly conventional gentlewoman living in Halifax at the beginning of the last century, had a secret life that would have shocked local society. Her diaries, written in such a complex code that they were not deciphered until the 1980s, reveal that she was really a lesbian Don Juan.
Production Details: Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, starring Julia Ford as Anne Lister, Sophie Thursfield as Marianna Belcombe, and Beth Tuckey as Maria Barlow. Consultants; Helena Whitbread, Anne Choma
Watch: Amazon Prime
Type: Film (2010)
Synopsis: This bold and passionate drama tells the story of Anne Lister (1791-1840). She was a lesbian, who, despite needing to keep her orientation secret from society, in private defied the conventions of her times by living with her female lover. The recent decoding of her 4,000,000-word journal provides an astonishing insight into the life of the woman who has been called Britain's first modern lesbian.
Production Details: Directed by James Kent, starring Maxine Peake, Anna Madeley, Gemma Jones
Trailer: YouTube Watch: Amazon Prime, BBC
Type: Documentary (2010, 2015)
Synopsis: Comedian and presenter Sue Perkins takes a personal journey to bring Anne Lister's diary to life, as she looks at a lesbian life lived two hundred years ago against a backdrop of massive social, economic and political change.
Production Details: Directed by Matthew Hill, presented by Sue Perkins, featuring Jill Liddington
Trailer: YouTube Watch: BBC, Excerpt
*Included as a special feature or extra on DVD copies and digital purchases of The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister.
Type: TV Series (2003)
Synopsis: The seething sexual underworld of 18th-century London is explored, where the gay scene flourished, from the "molly houses" or gay brothels through to public figures with hidden partners. Then there were the "tommies" - female transvestites who lived, worked and married as men.
Production Details: Directed by Neil Crombie, features commentary from Jill Liddington, with Anne Lister portrayed by Katherine Shannon, and narration by Anna Chancellor.
Type: Documentary (2017)
Synopsis: Stephen Fry is joined by seven fellow celebrities to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised private homosexual acts between men. The group explores the histories of several buildings that became cornerstones in the battle for gay rights in the UK.
Production Details: The Rev Richard Coles revisits the hedonistic past of London's Heaven Nightclub, while Mary Portas visits Shibden Hall near Halifax to celebrate the life of 19th-century lesbian heiress Anne Lister. Craig Revel Horwood investigates Britain's drag scene at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and Simon Callow tells the story of Oscar Wilde's downfall at the Old Bailey. Plus, Rikki Beadle-Blair visit the Theatre Royal Haymarket to remember how the British public showed their support for John Gielgud after he was arrested for cottaging, and Liz Carr takes in Bletchley Park, the one-time home of Alan Turing. Finally, Waheed Alli tells the story of recent battles for gay right in the Houses of Parliament.
Trailer: YouTube Watch: n/a
Type: TV Series (2019, 2022)
Synopsis: A dramatization of the life of lesbian trailblazer, voracious learner, and cryptic diarist Anne Lister.
Production Details: Created by Sally Wainwright, starring Suranne Jones as Anne Lister, Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker.
Trailers: HBO Season 1, BBC Season 1 / HBO Season 2, BBC Season 2
Watch: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer
Type: Documentary (2022)
Synopsis: Six British women rediscover their sexuality, come out to themselves and their families, and rekindle long-lost love after watching drama series Gentleman Jack.
Production Details: Narrated by Miriam Margolyes, directed by Sara Hardy, produced by Screenhouse Productions for BBC
Watch: BBC, Vimeo: Yvonne, Vimeo: Sami and Hazel, Vimeo: Chichi and her grandparents
Type: TV Series (2022)
Synopsis: The comedian travels around the UK in her vintage camper-van "Helen Mirren", visiting places of interest, meeting local people and trying her hand at a range of interesting activities.
Production Details: In this episode, Susan stopped in Halifax to meet up with Angela Clare, who showed her around Shibden Hall. The episode also took Susan to several other Yorkshire spots including the Piece Hall, the canal at Skipton and Bolton Abbey.
Type: TV Series (2024)
Synopsis: Celebrating the lives of Yorkshire people across England's biggest and most beautiful county. With a blend of heart-wearming characters from all corners of 'God's Own Country' along its unspoilt coastline, its countryside, villages, towns and cities.
Production Details: Rob and Dave Nicholson visit Shibden Hall, the home of celebrated diarist Anne Lister.
Watch: Channel 5
Plays & Theatre
Various theatrical productions have also brought Anne Lister's story to the stage. Though many of these productions are no longer running, we’ve included information about the playwright, and notable performances for posterity.
by Magdalena Barile
Synopsis: A play based on Anne Lister's diaries, exploring her personal and romantic life.
Production Details: Staged from 4 to 20 February 2022 at the Teatro dell'Elfo Puccini in Milan, this original drama was inspired by the figure of Anne Lister and directed by Elena Russo Arman. A presentation featuring Q&A with members of Anne Lister Italia followed the performance on 8 February, 2022.
Notable Performances: A reading directed by Mingyu Lin, translated by Margherita Laera, and starring Ericka Posadas and Denise Stephenson is available with subscription on Scenesaver.
Read: Digital (Italian) Amazon UK, Apple Books
by Emma Donoghue
Synopsis: Inspired by the secret coded diaries of Yorkshire gentlewoman Anne Lister, this play subverts all the conventions of Regency romance. Teasing out the entangled lives of mannish, arrogant Lister (nicknamed 'Gentleman Jack') and three of her many lovers, I Know My Own Heart explores the different choices women made in a time of limits and prohibitions.
Production Details: Loosely based on Helena Whitbread's book of the same name, this chamber drama was nominated for the Stewart Parker Award for Best Irish Debut Play. Multiple stage productions were held between 2003 and 2019 in Dublin, New York, and Chicago.
Read: Productions & Reviews, Digital: Amazon US · Amazon UK | Paperback: Amazon US · Amazon UK
Such Sweet Possession: The Life and Loves of Anne Lister
by Mary Cooper
This radio play (originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4) is a fun dramatization of Anne Lister's early adulthood and the drama unfolding between her, Eliza Raine, Mariana (Belcombe) Lawton and Isabella Norcliffe (Tib).
Digital (Audiobook): Amazon US · Amazon UK · Google Play
Podcasts
Below you’ll find the names of podcasts that have discussed Anne Lister, key details about the episode or series, and links to listen!
Multiple Episodes
about Anne Lister and/or Gentleman Jack
Host: Laura Johansen, Calderdale Cultural Destinations
Date: 12-13 July 2019
Episodes: 4
This series focuses on Anne Lister, featuring three recordings from the Anne Lister celebrations at Halifax Minster on Friday July 12 and Saturday July 13, 2019. Each episode is a recording of interviews and presentations with Anne Lister Authors Patricia Hughes, Helena Whitbread, and Jill Liddington.
Listen: Visit Calderdale
Host: Rachel Lappin, Calderdale Cultural Destinations
Start date: March 2021
Episodes: 25
These entries (1818-1840) have been transcribed by codebreakers from around the world, and permission to use them have been granted to us by WYAS, & Calderdale Museums Service; the project funded by Sally Wainwright.
Read: Anne Lister's birthday diary entries
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean
History Out Loud
Hosts: Gill Carpenter and Sarah Rose
Dates: April 2, 2021 | February 2022 | April 2023
Episodes: 4
In a two-part episode about Anne Lister Sarah and Gill chat to Angela Clare, Collections Officer at Calderdale Museums, about Anne Lister as well as about The Moss House, the novel Angela has written about Anne Lister and Ann Walker. To mark 168 years since Ann Walker's death; Sarah caught up with Diane and Alexa from In Search of Ann Walker to find out what new information they have uncovered in the Archives and how they are starting to piece together Ann Walker's life. Then to celebrate Anne Lister's birthday in 2023, we have a very special episode recorded with author and historian, Jill Liddington about her book which explores life Lister shared with Walker.
Listen: “Anne Lister and Shibden Hall with Angela Clare”: Apple - Part 1, Part 2 | Spotify - Part 1, Part 2
“In Search of Ann Walker”: Apple Podcast, Spotify
“‘As Good As Marriage’, with Jill Liddington”: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Shibden After Dark — A Gentleman Jack Podcast
Hosts: Leanne Mertzman and Mary Schwartz
Start date: June 22, 2019 Episodes: 47
"We are just two lesbians, standing in front of a fann(e)dom, asking you to listen to our Gentleman Jack podcast."
This weekly podcast provided in-depth recaps of each episode of the TV series "Gentleman Jack" as it aired on HBO in the U.S. Beyond episode analysis, the hosts delved into discussions about Anne Lister's historical significance, exploring her life and legacy. The podcast also connected themes and narratives from the show to contemporary LGBTQ+ issues, offering a platform for fans to reflect on and relate these stories to their own experiences.
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud
Other Links: SAfD Facebook Page, SAfD Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram
Featured interviews: Go Magazine, Feminist Magazine, ALBW Live
Gentleman Jack Crack
Hosts: Candice and Terrance
Start date: June 23, 2019 Episodes: 56
“Join two inquiring and thirsty intellectuals obsessed with amazing historical and predominantly queer womxn. Anne Lister lit the fire.”
“A Queer AF Podcast. Join us as we deep dive into this spectacular new show from BBC & HBO. Explicit language & ridiculous hi-jinks should always be expected.”
This lively podcast provided weekly reviews of the TV series "Gentleman Jack." In addition to episode recaps, the podcast featured #HistoricalNightcaps as special adjunct episodes. During these segments, the hosts read diary entries and scripts, discussed various LGBTQ+ issues, and “enjoyed a drink or three.”
Listen: Apple Podcasts, ACast, Podtail
Other Links: Facebook Page
Very Gay, Very Ladylike the Podcast
Hosts: Laurel and Amanda
Start date: July 8, 2019 Episodes: 42
“Join two inquiring and thirsty intellectuals obsessed with amazing historical and predominantly queer womxn. Anne Lister lit the fire.”
This podcast offered insightful recaps of the TV series "Gentleman Jack" and explored a wide range of LGBTQ+ topics, including history, society, culture, TV, and film. The podcast featured listener questions and journals in special episodes, and discussions covered Helena Whitbread's "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister," Anne Choma's "Gentleman Jack: The Real Anne Lister," and Clara Barley's "The Moss House." Other episodes delved into themes like queerness in the Bible, the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the poetry of Sappho, and more.
Notable episodes: In “Energetic Ripples” the hosts have a reading with medium Ben Kaminski in an attempt to contact the spirit of Anne Lister.
Listen: Podchaser
Featured interviews:
Hosts: Jackie Rae, Raiven French, Joshua E Wright and Shawna
Start date: Apr 23, 2019
Episodes: 8
This live after-show by AfterBuzz TV featured a panel each week to break down each episode of of the TV series "Gentleman Jack" after it aired, with plot discussion and predictions, to news and gossip.
Watch or Listen: YouTube Playlist, Apple Podcasts
Gay Gals Watch
Hosts: Dany and Devon
Start date: August 14, 2019
Episodes: 16
“A podcast of some gals who are pals watching shows with Gal Pals. In other words- 2 queer women who watch different shows with queer women and break them down.“
This podcast recapped both Season 1 and Season 2 of the TV series "Gentleman Jack"
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser
Hosts: Kelsey P Jones and Kerri Kearse
Start date: September 9, 2019
Episodes: 11
"Join us as we fangirl over Ann(e) moments, nerd out over history, freak out about the exceptional cinematography, discuss queer politics & sex, and have a blast talking about one of the best shows on TV."
A Gentleman Jack podcast.
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean
Host: Dellea Copeland
Start date: August 7, 2022
Episodes: 10
"Love Gentleman Jack, The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey, and Bridgerton? Subscribe to get period drama recaps by a fake historian!"
This podcast recapped both Season 1 and Season 2 of the TV series "Gentleman Jack"
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Hosts: Lena Mattheis, guest Sarah Wingrove
Start date: August 7, 2022 / July 26, 2022
Episodes: 2
Did you know that a lot of the research on Anne Lister’s famously queer diaries was in fact done by fan researchers? Sarah Wingrove (Surrey University) explains why the fan community’s specialist knowledge and meticulous fact-checking should not be underestimated and how she herself got into Anne Lister aka Gentleman Jack. My favourite part: a new euphemism for masturbation, fresh from Miss Lister’s not so secret diaries…
In a bonus episode, Sarah is back to tell us more about all the impressive efforts the fan community put into reviving the HBO/BBC TV series Gentleman Jack after a surprising cancellation.
Listen: "Anne Lister Research" Apple Podcast, Spotify, Spreaker
"#SaveGentlemanJack" Apple, Spotify, Spreaker
Host: Shantel Smith
Start date: March 8, 2023
Episodes: 2 to date
"A podcast where I verbally expel all of my Mariana Lawton & the Belcombes research from the 19th century so I don’t have to write it. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s drunk, sometimes it’s serious. But it’s always fun because herstory can be. Join us as we take a deep dive into Mariana’s life through special guests, Q&As, show & tells, research rambles, and the occasional babble on unanswered questions. #TeamMariana"
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music
Individual episodes
about Anne Lister and/or Gentleman Jack:
Interview with Muriel Green
Host: Jill Liddington
Date: September 18, 1991
Synopsis: Muriel recalls entering Shibden Hall on the death of John Lister in 1933, and about what she found there. Jill's oral history interview with Muriel reminds us how little was then known about the diaries’ melodramatic survival story. She talks about how John Lister cracked the code with an antiquarian (Arthur Burrell), but cannot recall any details; how the key to code was kept under lock & key, and then how Phyllis Ramsden worked on the coded passages.
Originally recorded on a cassette recorder, audio below has been edited for sound quality.
Hosts: Alice, Eli, Irene, Jasmine
Dates: May 1, 2017 / Dec 24 2017
Episodes: Anne Lister / Christmas Special - Anne Lister Revisted
"Anne Lister, a landowner, prolific diarist, and same-sex attracted woman who lived in Yorkshire during the 19th century and journaled her life and innumerable love affairs in intimate detail. Featuring: Secret Lesbian Code! If you enjoy, also check out our follow-up Christmas special, covering the second half of Anne's life in more detail."
Read Transcripts: Anne Lister, Anne Lister Revisited
Listen: Apple - Anne Lister, Lister Revisited, Spotify - Anne Lister, Lister Revisited, Podbean - Anne Lister, - Lister Revisited
Hosts: Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey
Episode: “Anne Lister”
Date: January 29, 2018
Synopsis: At a time when many women sought husbands to ensure financial stability, Anne Lister was looking for a wife. She was also writing thousands of pages of diaries, including sections written in code about her relationships.
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart
Hosts: Hannah Fergesen and Deanna Greif
Episode: The Diaries of 'Gentleman Jack' | Episode 16
Date: November 17, 2018
Synopsis: Anne Lister, Aka “Gentleman Jack” was an out and proud landowning lesbian in the early 1800’s. She is known for renovating an estate called Shibden Hall and penning a 4 million word diary in which she detailed not just her day to day activities, but her conquests, in graphic detail.
Listen: Website
Host: Katy Derbyshire
Episode: Podcast #12: Anne Lister
Date: August 22, 2018
Synopsis: DLS-co-founder Katy Derbyshire, who recently translated the first in-depth biography of Anne Lister, called Gentleman Jack, tells us all about Anne’s impressive life and list of ladies.
Listen: Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Unveiling Anne Lister Blue Plaque
Date: April 2019
Synopsis: Dr Jill Liddington, Helena Whitbread, Richard MacFarlane and the Mayor of Calderdale ~ Halifax Civic Trust & Calderdale Museums, recording of talks and unveiling of blue plaque from Shibden Hall.
Listen: Soundcloud, Vimeo
Transcript:
Hosts: Caroline Donahue, guest Anne Choma
Episode: “#149: Cracking the Code of Anne Lister | Anne Choma”
Date: May 2, 2019
Synopsis: When I heard the words "encrypted diary" I knew I had to speak to Anne Choma about Anne Lister. So many times, when I've seen a film or show about a historical figure and I get hooked, I immediately run to whatever source material to dive deeper and find out more about the person in real life... Anne Choma, historian and researcher, talks about Anne's life and the process that has been undertaken by a whole community to crack the code and transcribe the millions of words Anne wrote about her life.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Jenni Murray, guests Sally Wainwright and Anne Choma
Episode: “Sally Wainwright on Anne Lister”
Date: May 15, 2019
Synopsis: Sally Wainwright's new drama Gentleman Jack tells the story of Anne Lister, the Victorian landowner and industrialist whose coded diaries have revealed a hidden world of lesbian relationships and class and gender struggles in 19th Century Yorkshire. Starring Suranne Jones, the series covers just two years of Anne's eventful life, including the beginning of her relationship with future wife Ann Walker. Jenni is joined by Sally and Anne Choma, author of Gentleman Jack: The Real Anne Lister.
Listen: BBC, Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Lauren and Hannah
Episode: “S3, Ep. 13 Anne Lister w/Special Guest Angela Clare”
Date: June 5, 2019
Synopsis: Angela has written two books on Miss Lister and makes a special appearance in Gentleman Jack! Special apologies to Hannah, who thought we should call this episode “Shag-Bandit Rubber-Knickers.”
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Soundcloud
Hosts: Bridget Liszewski, Kat Jetson, Valerie Anne
Episode: 20 - “The Cursed Episode”
Date: June 26, 2019
Synopsis: We discuss a prolific and hilarious creator, an actress you probably don't think about much but maybe should, and a new old-timey show that's about so much more than sinking pits.
Read: Episode Transcript
Host: Louise Hidalgo, guest Helena Whitbread
Episode: “The secret diaries of 'Gentleman Jack"
Date: July 8, 2019
Synopsis: The discovery of the diaries of 19th-century Englishwoman Anne Lister, who wrote in secret code about her love affairs with women and has been called the first modern lesbian. A landowner and a businesswoman, she defied the conventions of the time and was nicknamed 'Gentleman Jack' in the Yorkshire town of Halifax where she lived, because of the way she dressed and acted.
Listen: BBC Sounds, Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Anna Reser, Leila McNeill, and Rebecca Ortenberg, guest Anne Choma
Episode: “Bonus: Behind the scenes of 'Gentleman Jack'
Date: August 27, 2019
Synopsis: The hosts go behind the scenes of the BBC series ‘Gentleman Jack,’ based on the diaries of Anne Lister, with the show’s consultant Anne Choma. Choma tells us about adapting Lister’s diaries for television drama, Anne Lister’s science reading list, and more!
Read: Transcript
Listen: Apple Podcast, Goodpods
Hosts: Greg Jenner, guests comedian Suzie Ruffell and Dr Justin Bengry
Episode: “LGBTQ History”
Date: September 29, 2019
Synopsis: From Molly Houses to secret diaries, discover the real-life stories that make up the history of the LGBT community.
Listen: BBC Sounds, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Hosts: Gretchen and Leigh
Episode: “28. Anne Lister Goes to TGIFemslash”
Date: March 17, 2020
Synopsis: The protagonist of HBO’s Gentleman Jack, Anne Lister was a 19th century British gentewoman who wanted to live as the 19th century British gentlemen did, including loving and marrying women, which she wrote extensively about in her diaries, but in a secret code. So join us as we learn more about her life, her loves, and her diaries, and you can even play along with the games we hosted live at TGI!
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Host: Holly, guest Angela Steidele
Episode: “Anne Lister & Ann Walker | The Life & Loves of Gentleman"
Date: October 12, 2020
Synopsis: Anne Lister is often described as the 'first modern lesbian' and the diaries that she left provide a wealth of detail about her many passionate relationships with women. Her relationship history of labyrinthine complexity thus culminated in a marriage to Ann Walker. Their story is, of course, now at the centre of the smash-hit BBC TV drama series Gentleman Jack. But what is the story behind the dramatisation? It's safe to say it is just as compelling...
Read: Episode Transcript
Listen: Website, Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Averill Earls, Sarah Handley-Cousins, Marissa C. Rhodes, Elizabeth Garner Masarik
Episode: “Anne Lister: No Priest But Love, and Modernity”
Date: September 22, 2020
Synopsis: Anne Lister, a woman-loving-woman in 19th century England, chronicled her lesbian love life in a series of journals. This podcast will go over her life in detail, how she dressed and her masculinity, her search for wealth, her same sex loving life, and how she reflected the past as well as modernity.
Listen: Spotify
Hosts: Natalie Pithers, guests Lívia Labate and Amanda Pryce
Episode: “S2 Ep. 5 - Discovering Anne Lister”
Date: May 20, 2021
Synopsis: Anne Lister was a diarist who famously recorded her intimate relationships with women (amongst many many other things). Subject of the brilliant BBC Drama #GentlemanJack, in this interview I talk to the Packed With Potential Project about their work to decipher Anne's diaries and to discover the 'real Anne'.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube
Hosts: Lindsay and Madison
Episode: #52, "For the Love of Gentleman Jack"
Date: June 2, 2021
Synopsis: We discuss the infamous Anne Lister, as well as why you should always be true to yourself, that being a little odd just means you’re super awesome, and how important her diaries and story are in the history of the LGBTIQ community.
Hosts: Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan
Episode: “Pride: Anne Lister"
Date: June 21, 2021
Synopsis: Explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely should. Anne Lister (1791-1840) was an English diarist, famous for revelations for which she was dubbed "the first modern lesbian.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Host: Mats Lasse Jangås
Episode: “Gentleman Jack: Anne Lister"
Date: August 15, 2021
Synopsis: A predominately Norwegian-language podcast - Portrettpodden is a podcast where Mats Lasse Jangås explores inspiring people to better understand the world.
Host: Rowan Hall & Tracey Harrison
Episode: "Be Gay, Do Crime - Julie D'Aubigny & Anne Lister"
Date: Feb, 2021
Synopsis: An inclusive take on history and mythology. Each week Rowan & Tracey bring to light overlooked & unrerrepresented stories challenging traditional accounts of the past. This week we are talking about two women who bucked tradition and loved in their own way. Rowan talks about Julie D’Aubigny and Tracey shares stories about Anne Lister.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Carolyn Bergier & Melody Kamali
Episode: "What Would Anne Lister Do?" w/ Sally Wainwright
Date: May 10, 2022
Synopsis: Anne Lister is THRIVING thanks our guest Sally Wainwright, the creator of Gentleman Jack , now in its second season on HBO. Whether or not you've seen the show, this is the perfect episode to learn more about one of the most fascinating d*kes who never got her due in our history books. Sally talks about the breadth and quality of Anne's diaries and how they shaped the show. Yes, we ask about the pube lockets. But we also talk about so much more!
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Host: Rachel Friars
Episode: The Impact of Primary Sources on Lesbian Literature and History: The Evolution and Significance of Queer Archives: Anne Lister and "slowing down" in the archives (Episode 291)
Date: November 16, 2022
Synopsis: In this second episode of the four-part series, Rachel Friars, a PhD student in the Department of English Language and Literature at Queen’s University, describes the collection of Anne Lister, highlighting Anne’s extraordinary life and unique coding used in her journal entries.
Listen: Choice, Apple Podcast, Spotify
Host: Heather Rose Jones
Episode: "259 – Interview with Jill Liddington"
Date: May 20, 2023
Synopsis: This episode is an interview with historian Jill Liddington, whose book Female Fortune inspired Sally Wainwright to create the Gentleman Jack tv series about Anne Lister. In this episode we talk about the social and economic landscape of Anne Lister’s life, the dynamics of Lister’s “marriage” to Ann Walker, the history of the diaries and their amazing legacy, and Liddington’s books about Anne Lister.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Podbean
Host: Kate Lister, guest Anne Choma
Episode: “Anne Lister: The First Modern Lesbian?”
Date: June 12, 2023
Synopsis: It’s a rare thing to hear first hand the experiences of marginalised people in history. So often their voices are silenced, and their histories erased. Which is why Anne Lister’s diaries, which tell us in intimate details what it was like to be a proud lesbian in 19th century Yorkshire, are such an important resource. What was grobbling? What is Anne Lister’s legacy? And what do her coded diaries tell us about life as a lesbian during the industrial revolution?
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Steph Svarz, Jack Repak, Jon Stricker
Episode: 219: Anne Lister
Date: June 14, 2023
Synopsis: We continue our celebration of Pride Month with Anne Lister - diarist, mountaineer, business woman, travel writer, and of course, lesbian! Lister was the first woman to do many things, including, by many accounts, the first 'same sex' marriage in England. Her preserved and beautifully detailed diaries give us a glimpse into so many facets of life that we may not have otherwise had access to.
Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud
Hosts: Emily and Karbon
Episode: “The ENTIRE History Of Lesbians"
Date: August 10, 2023
Synopsis: The history of lesbians is a hidden tale that history tried to erase. We journey through time to uncover the rich tapestry of lesbian history, digging up the life of Anne Lister, a 19th-century entrepreneur whose coded diaries unveiled her secret affairs with women. We explore the global impact of colonialism on queer communities, from Africa's diverse gender roles to Two-Spirit acceptance in the Americas and love celebrations in the Caribbean. Travel through suffragist struggles, the Lavender Scare's dark era, and the rise of powerful lesbian activists. We celebrate victories, honor heroes, and paint a more colorful future.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Viv, guest Chris Ratcliffe
Episode: “Season 1, Ep. 10 - Chris Ratcliffe on Pennine Pens, Sylvia Plath, Anne Lister..."
Date: August 25, 2023
Synopsis: With Elain Connell Chris created Pennine Pens, published Jill Liddington's book on Anne Lister which informed the TV series Gentleman Jack, started possibly the world's first literary online forum on Sylvia Plath and created Hebweb an early community news website, which is still providing the opportunity for open discussion and debate three decades on.
Read: Episode Transcript
Listen: Buzzsprout, Spotify
Hosts: Katie Charlwood
Episode: “96. Anne Lister - Gentleman Jack”
Date: February 21, 2024
Synopsis: Ready for a wild ride through Anne Lister's diary confessions? Let's spill the tea on this 19th-century trailblazer who not only defied society but also documented every woman she ever charmed in her diary (with so many sordid secrets written in code that men assumed it was a hoax!) Get ready for a mix of history, love, and Anne's unfiltered sass – it's a diary-licious journey you won't want to miss!
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify
Hosts: Rachel Wheeley
Episode: S47E3 Curious minds - Anne “Gentleman Jack” Lister
Date: May 15, 2024
Synopsis: Walking around my local streets with tales of the curious life of Anne Lister, quero, scholar, and mountaineer.
Listen: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Podbean
Music
Listen to songs inspired by Anne Lister, her contemporaries, and the show "Gentleman Jack," as well as new performances of music familiar to Anne, Eliza, Mariana, and others!
Title: Gentleman Jack Theme
Artist: O’Hooley & Tidow
Release Date: 2013 (from The Fragile album), re-issued in 2019 as an official single
Synopsis: The theme song from the TV series Gentleman Jack, capturing the spirit of Anne Lister.
Links: Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube (Music Video)
Title: Gentleman Jack Soundtrack (Unofficial)
Artist: Murray Gold
Note: There is currently no official TV Show soundtrack available, these audio tracks have been extracted from the episodes with some background noise removed.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “I’ve Been An Icarus”
Artist: Good Morning Hellen
Release Date: August 11, 2019
Synopsis: Song inspired by Gentleman Jack TV show
Links: Bandcamp
Title: “Might We Not Be Happy?”
Artist: Good Morning Hellen
Release Date: September 2, 2019
Synopsis: Song inspired by Gentleman Jack TV show
Links: Bandcamp
Title: “Carry You”
Artist: Good Morning Hellen
Release Date: November 3, 2019
Synopsis: Song inspired by Gentleman Jack TV show
Links: Bandcamp
Title: “Anne Lister - Song”
Artist: Late2Party
Release Date: September 2, 2019
Synopsis: Recently discovered ballad Anne Lister wrote for Mariana (Belcombe) Lawton for the flute.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “Anne Lister's Tune”
Release Date: 2020
Synopsis: An interpretation of Lister's "Ballad for M–" on flute.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “Ballad for M–" (instrumental version)
Artist: therealsunshine (Emily Nyman)
Release Date: November, 2019
Synopsis: Arranged and performed on piano by Emily Nyman.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “Ballad for the Ball (studio mix)”
Artist: Emily Nyman and Lynn Berry
Release Date: September, 2020
Synopsis: An appropriation of “Ballad for M” (see Anne Lister’s journal entry of January 23, 1824). All of Anne’s verses were included (12 stanzas!) with only minor word changes.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “After the Ball"
Artist: Emily Nyman and Lynn Berry
Release Date: November, 2019
Synopsis: Inspired by the writings of Anne Lister, songwriters Emily Nyman and Lynn Berry created “After the Ball” as a response to/continuation of Lister’s “Ballad for M”/ “Ballad for the Ball”
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “226 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence”
Artist: pbobs
Release Date: 2020
Synopsis: Metal guitar cover of part of the Gentleman Jack score.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “It's Not Illegal"
Artist: pbobs
Release Date: November, 2019
Synopsis: Electronic synth cover of part of the Gentleman Jack score.
Links: Soundcloud
Title: “Ballad to M—”
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Synopsis: Music and lyrics by Anne Lister. Musical arrangement for the Anne Lister Research Summit by Chloe Nacci and wife.
Links: YouTube, History, Music, & Lyrics
Title: "Thou Art Gone Awa From Me, Mary"
Release Date: October 15, 2021
Synopsis: Original track for the Anne Lister Research Summit based on "Thou Art Gone Awa From Me, Mary" from The Edinburgh Musical Miscellany (volume 1) from 1783.
Links: YouTube, History, Music, & Lyrics
Title: “When Charles Dies”
Release Date: October 17, 2021
Synopsis: A sample-based remix for the Anne Lister Research Summit Peak Party by Mynabird Sounds. Music video by Steph Gallaway. Dialogue and footage sampled from Gentleman Jack and Amanda Walgrove.
Links: YouTube
Title: "Fair Eliza"
Release Date: October 14, 2022
Synopsis: Original track for the Anne Lister Research Summit based on "Fair Eliza" from The Edinburgh Musical Miscellany (volume 2) from 1783.
Links: YouTube, Story, Music, & Lyrics
Title: ”ThankQ James"
Release Date: October 16, 2022
Synopsis: A sample-based remix for the Anne Lister Research Summit Peak Party by Mynabird Sounds. Dialogue sampled from Gentleman Jack. Visualizer by Steph Gallaway.
Links: YouTube
Video
Watch recorded presentations, documentaries, animated shorts, and more that explore the world of Anne Lister or in response to Gentleman Jack.
Independent & Web-Based Films
about Anne Lister and/or responses to Gentleman Jack:
The Anne Lister Story
Type: Documentary Short (2019)
Summary: ‘The Anne Lister Story’ was filmed at Shibden Hall, Halifax, home of Anne Lister in 2015 and released in 2016. The film is an interview with Anne Lister biographer Helena Whitbread about Anne’s life and her own discovery of Anne’s journals and work to share them.
In late 2022, Calderdale Council invited Helena back to Shibden to create a second film, ‘The Helena Whitbread Story’ to document Helena’s life and work sharing Anne’s Story for release on Anne Lister’s birthday, 3rd April 2023.
In Anne Lister's Footsteps...
Type: Short Film, Tourism Advert (2021)
Summary: This film follows ‘Gentleman Jack’ fans Terry and Emma Logan, the first two women to get legally married in a church in Calderdale, on their trip exploring the places that Anne Lister knew and loved.
Fit For Another World | The Legacy Of Anne Lister
Type: Documentary (2022)
Summary: Directed by students at the University of York, this YSTV original documentary explores the life and legacy of English diarist Anne Lister, dubbed "the first modern lesbian". Features interviews with Sally Wainwright, Helena Whitbread, Anne Choma, and Laurie Shannon
Anne Lister - The REAL Gentleman Jack
Type: Documentary Short (2022)
Summary: Historical documentary looking at the life of the famous diarist from Northern England Anne Lister, who was more commonly known as Gentleman Jack.
Gentleman Jack Nation - This is Our Story
Type: Documentary Short (2023)
Summary: 'Gentleman Jack Nation' is a celebration of the community that was inspired by the show created by Sally Wainwright.
Presentations & Interviews
on work about Anne Lister, those in her circle, or related to historians/authors, Anne Lister Code Breakers, independent researchers, and creators of Gentleman Jack.
Type: Free Online Conference (2020 - present), 83+ videos
Summary: Conference organizers ensure that the majority of the valuable content shared at this virtual conference over the past four years remains accessible to researchers, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Anne Lister studies, regardless of whether you're able to attend the live events. Sessions range from facilitated discussions and panels to presentations, workshops, and even games.
Type: Live Interviews (2020 - present), 43+ videos
Summary: Pat Esgate hosts livestreams interviewing the cast and crew of "Gentleman Jack" alongside authors and researchers specializing in Anne Lister and Ann Walker. These livestreams also often provide updates on Anne Lister Birthday Week events in Halifax, UK.
'Anne Lister - In Her Words' Exhibition
Type: Playlist, 6 videos
Summary: From April 2022 - April 2023 the West Yorkshire History Centre, Wakefield, offered a unique chance to see archival material from the Shibden Hall collection including Anne’s famous diaries on display.
Codebreaker Sessions
Type: Playlist, 3 videos
Summary: The original version of these talks were first given as part of the West Yorkshire Archive Services, Codebreaker Sessions at the Anne Lister Birthday Festival 2023. These talks took place in the Calderdale office of the West Yorkshire Archive Service alongside original documents from the collections.
Her Story in the Archives
Type: 5 videos
Summary: Introductions to the story of Mariana (Belcombe) Lawton, her singing bullfinch, and relatives, narrated by Lydia Leonard.
The Real Gentleman Jack: Transcribing the diaries of Anne Lister (2020)
Summary: Sam Bennion and Alison Kirchgasser (UK and US based respectively) talk with Forbes Library about how they got involved in the transcription project organized by the WYAS, and describe the transcription process, sharing some of the information available in the journals.
Anne Lister: Gateway to Research (2021)
Summary: Sarah Rose from Calderdale Libraries talks to Amanda Pryce, Marlene Oliveira, Jude Dobson, and Pauline M. about collaborative research, libraries, archives, going down epic research rabbit holes and more.
Discovering Anne Lister (2021)
Summary: Livia Labate & Amanda Pryce of the Packed With Potential project talk about their work to decipher Anne's diaries, discovering the 'real Anne' and sharing her stories with the world.
Gentleman Jack: The life and legacy of Anne Lister (2021)
Summary: A panel of experts celebrate the opening of the University of York’s newest college, Anne Lister College. With Laurie Shannon, Sally Wainwright, and Gary Brannan. The discussion isl be chaired by Emma Barnett.
Effects of Anne-dom: The Collaborative Production & Dissemination of New Information on Anne Lister (2022)
Summary: Presented by Sarah Wingrove (Surrey) for the 2022 Surrey Arts and Humanities Research Group seminar series, featuring exciting work-in-progress papers from doctoral and early career researchers.
Creative Works
related to Anne Lister and/or Gentleman Jack:
Gentleman Jack Series - Amanda Walgrove
Summary: A series of parody sketches featuring characters from Gentleman Jack and Anne Lister's Journals.
Gentleman Jack Shorts - Yvonne Haugen
Summary: Claymation vignettes with the characters of Anne Lister and Ann Walker.
Anne Lister Material - Kate McCabe
Summary: Kate McCabe's stand-up set written specifically for the crowd at an Anne Lister Birthday Week event in Halifax.
Gentleman Jack Fanvids
Summary: This playlist features a collection of fan-made videos inspired by the TV show "Gentleman Jack." Fanvids are creative video edits that combine clips from the show with music, often highlighting specific characters, relationships, or themes.
Fan Fiction & Fan Artists
Explore a vibrant collection of works from independent creators, including fiction, comics, illustrations and more related to Anne Lister or Gentleman Jack.
Gentleman Jack Fanfic Archive - various authors
Type: Fan Fiction
Synopsis: An ever-expanding (720+) set of one-off and serialized Anne Lister and Ann Walker-related writing, including AU (alternate universe) stories as well as stories somewhat adherent to Anne Lister’s journals.
GJ Audio Fanfic - various authors/voice artists
Type: Audio Book
Synopsis: An audio series of Gentleman Jack fan-fiction read by various speakers.
Anne Lister/GJ Fan Art - Biljana Popović
Type: Illustration, Comics
Synopsis: Art inspired by scenes or characters from Gentleman Jack and Anne Lister's Journals.
Shop: Redbubble
Anne Lister/GJ Fan Art - Christine Santos
Type: Digital Art
Synopsis: Multiple styles of artwork surrounding the HBO/BBC series Gentleman Jack.
Shop: Redbubble
Anne Lister/GJ Fan Art - Marlaina Mortati
Type: Illustration, Tattoo
Synopsis: Multiple styles of artwork surrounding the HBO/BBC series Gentleman Jack.
Anne Lister/GJ Fan Art - Kylie Conning
Type: Ink, Mixed Media
Synopsis: Ballpoint pen and digital drawings, often combined in prints on maps or archival paper.
Shop: Etsy
Anne Lister/GJ Fan Art - FoleyPDX
Type: Art, Comics
Synopsis: Portland-based artist who enjoys creating digital illustrations and comics, as well as working with paint and ink.
Type: Gifs, Illustrations, More
Synopsis: Used to tag gifs and photos from the tv show, fan art, cast interviews, and more.
Type: Gifs, Illustrations, More
Synopsis: Used to tag introductions to Lister, art, transcriptions, as well as content from/inspired by Gentleman Jack.
Social Media Communities
Discuss Anne Lister and/or Gentleman Jack in these online communities.
Gentleman Jack Fans (HBO and BBC One TV Show) - Facebook Group
15.6k members
Note: The largest general fan group of the tv show on Facebook; includes crossover posts from people sharing information on the real Anne Lister.
Status: active
Shibden After Dark - Facebook Group
2.3k members
Note: The most welcoming and inclusive community in the Ann(e)dom; originally a companion to the (no longer active) Shibden After Dark podcast.
Status: active
ALBW Chat
2.1k members
Note: Facebook group for attendees of Anne Lister Birthday Weekend events in Halifax to stay informed, plan, and communicate with each other.
Status: active
Anne Lister Code Breakers - Facebook Group
1.4k members
Note: Facebook group for people transcribing Anne Lister’s diaries. The group is not affiliated with either of the official transcription projects.
Status: active
#AnneListerCodeBreaker - Twitter/X
Note: Twitter hashtag used by people transcribing Anne Lister’s diaries, generally used for seeking help with decoding challenges and tips.
Status: inactive, but still accessible by anyone
Anne Lister Code Breaker - Tumblr
Note: Tag on used on Tumblr by people transcribing Anne Lister’s diaries, generally used for sharing transcriptions on blogs.
Status: inactive, but still accessible by anyone
Note: Reddit community for fans of HBO's Gentleman Jack to discuss, share, create and communicate.
Status: active
Note: Reddit community for lesbians and lesbian allies, of the HBO show Gentleman Jack.
Status: active
Note: Online book club on Goodreads for book recommendations; has a moderated discussion board. Requires free goodreads account and request to join.
Status: last active June 2023
Gentleman Jack Discord Server
214 members
Note: Discord server for fans of Gentleman Jack.
Status: active
Chasing Ann(e) - The hunt through history for Anne Lister and Ann Walker
1.8k members
Note: Facebook group for followers of the real Anne Lister Ann Walker to share research.
Status: active
Anne Lister Academic Research
233 members
Note: Facebook group for dissemination and promotion of academic research relating to Anne Lister.
Status: active
6.9k members
Note: Facebook group for fans of BBC and HBO Drama series Gentleman Jack.
Status: active
Anne Lister “Gentleman Jack” Fan Group
6.5K members
Note: General fan group on Facebook for Gentlemen Jack and the real Anne Lister.
Status: active
Gentleman Jack Discussion Group
3.9k members
Note: General Facebook group for people to discuss, analyze, and debrief Gentleman Jack.
Status: active
Gentleman Jack Costumes
426 members
Note: Facebook group for anyone interested in the costumes featured in the HBO / BBC One series, Gentleman Jack.
Status: inactive
Lister Fitsters
173 members
Note: Facebook group for Anne Lister fans who want to work on their health and fitness in the spirit of “I can walk anywhere in twenty five minutes”.
Status: active
Way Way Off Topic - Lister Sisters
126 members
Note: Facebook for fans of Gentleman Jack to talk about other shared interests beyond the tv show.
Status: active
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Livia Labate for starting the "Ann(e)dom Index" in September 2019, which compiled a number of the initial references used here. This original google doc laid the foundation for creating the entire PwP site and inspired this page and catalog.