Miriam Margolyes is to narrate a new BBC One documentary following British women inspired by Anne Lister, the star of Sally Wainwright’s award-winning hit Gentleman Jack.
Gentleman Jack Changed My Life, a 1×60’ for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, is made by Leeds based Screenhouse Productions Ltd.
It will tell the story of six women for whom watching Gentleman Jack led them to reassess their sexuality and change their lives.
Mostly filmed on location in Halifax, Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones as landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, who documented a lifetime of lesbian relationships through diaries that stretch to over four million words, written largely in secret code.
Emma Loach, BBC Commissioning Editor, said: “It has been so exciting to hear the positive impact that the story of Anne Lister has had on so many people around the world. This life- affirming film celebrates finding the confidence to make changes in our lives, whatever our age.”
Barbara Govan, CEO of Screenhouse Productions, the factual indie behind the film, added: “We’re inspired by the courage of all the women in this film who’ve shared their stories of coming out, with honesty and humour.
“We thank their mums, sons, daughters, and grandparents for sharing their reactions, especially where it’s a work in progress. We’re proud to have had a 100 percent female, key Screenhouse production team.”
Gentleman Jack Changed My Life was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, History and Religion. The Executive Producers are Barbara Govan, CEO, Screenhouse Productions Ltd and Emma Hindley and the Commissioning Editor is Emma Loach. Sara Hardy is the Director and Al Johnstone the Producer.
