Film and TV Transport for BBC’s Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is a historical drama series co-produced by BBC One and HBO. It dramatises the life of 19th-century woman Anne Lister, often described as the world’s first modern lesbian. The series follows Anne’s efforts to restore her ancestral home—Halifax’s Shibden Hall—and pursue an illicit romance with another woman.
Duration
Varied depending on location; high flexibility and quick availability was required. Film set transport could vary between 5 days–9 days
No. of Trucks
Varied depending on location. UK was sometimes just 1, EU and Denmark usually up to 9 trucks.
Additional Services
Film set transport services, TV transport
Countries
Over 11 different UK locations including Halifax, York and Leeds, as well as some overseas filming in Copenhagen
As well as a maverick landowner, Ann Lister was a prolific diarist. She wrote about her travels, work and love life in 26 volumes, which contain over four million words between them. These diaries would later inspire the TV show, for which Stagefreight provided film and TV transport services.
A Shibden Haul
As a lavish period drama, taking place in locations across Yorkshire and overseas, Gentleman Jack posed a serious film set transport challenge. Of course, Stagefreight’s expert team of drivers rose to the occasion.
Our drivers transported the show’s costumes, props, sound equipment and everything else needed during production. Since many of these items were fragile, our drivers drew on their experience in film production logistics and took extra care while loading and unloading. They also drew on their experience to ensure nothing was damaged during transit.
Creative Team
Gentleman Jack was created by the award-winning screenwriter Sally Wainwright. Her previous works include ITV drama Scott & Bailey, BBC comedy-drama Last Tango in Halifax and crime drama Happy Valley.
Sally Wainwright Creator, Writer & Director
Phil Collinson Producer
Piers Wenger & Faith Penhale Executive Producers
Production Companies
BBC One
Supporting Companies
Casting Collective (extras casting)
Intimacy on Set (intimacy coordination)
Norf Casting (extras casting)
Slick Casting (extras casting)
Universal Extras (extras casting)
Screen Yorkshire (production support)
Stagefreight Ltd (transport)
Cast
In addition to its riveting source material, Gentleman Jack boasts a talented cast with some major names in British acting. The main cast includes:
Anne Lister Suranne Jones
Ann Walker Sophie Rundle
Jeremy Lister Timothy West
Aunt Anne Lister Gemma Jones
Elizabeth Cordingley Rosie Cavaliero
John Booth Thomas Howes
Jeremiah Rawson Shaun Dooley
Thomas Sowden Tom Lewis
Filming Locations
Many scenes in Gentleman Jack were shot in and around Halifax’s Shibden Hall, the ancestral home of the real-life Anne Lister. Other scenes were shot across West Yorkshire and overseas. Locations featured in the first season include:
Halifax
York
Bradford
Batley
Birstall
Rotherham
Ripon
Leeds
Sowerby
Luddenden
Huddersfield
Copenhagen
Critical Response
The Guardian’s review said “Suranne Jones rocks Halifax as the first modern lesbian…Anne Lister’s diary [becomes] a thrilling coal-town romp that flirts with parody, so maybe it’s Queer Brontë.”
Variety was similarly positive, praising the drama’s uniqueness: “Wainwright makes an intriguing choice that sets up a decidedly adult romance about devotion, trust and partnership that is rare for TV in general, let alone for lesbian characters in a period piece.”
Jack of All Trades
In 2019, Gentleman Jack was renewed for a second season. Stagefreight will be on hand to help the production team with transporting everything the show needs.
The show’s renewal is a great sign of Gentleman Jack’s popularity. We at Stagefreight were proud of the part we played in bringing this groundbreaking show to life. We can’t wait to bring our film transport logistics experience to the next season, as well as any future smash hits.
Our wide experience and attention to detail makes us an excellent choice if you’re looking for film transport companies, or any help with your next film or TV project. Browse our services page to see what we have to offer, or get in touch now by calling 0113 797 898.