Masterpiece BBC period drama based on diary is best | UK News

This historic sequence has been hailed as the “best of all time” and a “masterpiece”, and it is obtainable to stream on BBC iPlayer. Gentleman Jack is a period drama tv sequence created by Sally Wainwright for BBC One.

The sequence is based on Anne Lister’s collected diaries, which run to roughly 5 million phrases with about a sixth in secret code and doc a lifetime of lesbian relationships. Helena Whitbread started decoding and transcribing the diaries in the Eighties, and other transcribers have carried on the work since then. It is set in 1830s Yorkshire and stars Suranne Jones as landowner and industrialist Lister. Sophie Rundle performs landowner Ann Walker.

The sequence synopsis reads: “It’s 1832 in West Yorkshire, England — the cradle of the evolving Industrial Revolution — where landowner Anne Lister is determined to save her faded ancestral home, Shibden Hall, even if it means bucking society’s expectations. In addition to reopening the coal mines, a part of Lister’s plan to help her family is to marry well.

“But the charismatic, single-minded Lister — who attire head-to-toe in black and charms her manner into high society — has no intention of marrying a man. “Gentleman Jack” examines Lister’s relationships with her household, servants, tenants and industrial rivals, and would-be spouse. The real-life Anne Lister’s story was recorded in her diaries, and the most intimate particulars of her life are revealed for the sequence.”

Both series of Gentleman Jack have received critical acclaim, and the impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects that. The critics’ consensus states: “Suranne Jones’ boundless charisma brings the indomitable Anne Lister to vivid life in Gentleman Jack, a gently revelatory sequence that mines terrific humour from the icon’s unapologetic forward-thinkingness – although the sequence is not as prepared to ruffle feathers as she was.”

Screen Rant listed the series in its listing of the “20 Best BBC Period Dramas Of All Time”.

One fan described the series as a “masterpiece”, adding: “This is a masterpiece: The research that was executed to carry this attention-grabbing story of Anne Lister’s life to the screen was monumental and very properly used in creating the script. The performing is glorious, from a very strong solid and led by Suranne Jones (as Ms Lister) who has given such a magnificent efficiency throughout all eight episodes that she must certainly have impressed her colleagues as properly as the viewers.”

Gentleman Jack is obtainable to stream on BBC iPlayer.