Masterclass: Sally Wainwright and Faith Penhale on the making of Gentleman Jack

Screenwriter Sally Wainwright and producer Faith Penhale discuss the making of their award-winning BBC drama series Gentleman Jack, starring Suranne Jones. The historical drama tells the tale of Victorian industrialist Anne Lister and her pursuit of a covert lesbian relationship in 1830s Yorkshire.
Sally tells how the secret code of Anne's journals was hidden and discovered and talks about the moment she realised Suranne was the right actor to play the lead.
About Sally Wainwright
The BAFTA award-winning writer Sally Wainwright is a tour-de-force in the world of drama. She’s created the ITV drama series Scott & Bailey (2011-2016), Last Tango in Halifax (2012-present), and Happy Valley (2014-present). Sally is also the creator of the 2019 HBO and BBC One television series Gentleman Jack.
About Faith Penhale
Faith Penhale is chief executive officer of Lookout Point. She has worked on a broad range of shows, from a BAFTA-winning era of EastEnders and the multi award-winning Spooks. Previously she ran BBC Wales Drama, where her track record included the global phenomenon Sherlock. She joined Lookout Point as CEO, where she oversees a vibrant slate, including Gentleman Jack.
About Julia Raeside
The session was chaired by the journalist Julia Raeside. Julia has written about television for over 20 years for publications including The Guardian, Observer, Sunday Times, Red magazine and Pilot TV. She is a broadcaster and frequent contributor to shows on BBC Radio 2, 4 and 6 Music.
About the event
The event was recorded on 28 April 2020. It was supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce thanks to contributions from the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It t is part of a ScreenSkills programme designed by media consultant Donna Taberer to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient in the coronavirus l

[@bobbidazzler1343]

Suranne should have won the BAFTA. She was truly robbed! 🥰

[@lilcamper1]

I’m shocked that this show and Suranne has not won every award. This is excellence in television! This was a wonderful interview and so informative. Thanks!

[@sallysmith5575]

Obsessed with Anne Lister after seeing Gentleman Jack! You are brilliant Sally!

[@maryethomas2]

This is such a jewel of an interview shedding inside information on a superlative series. As Sally admits as a character AL was a "cow" but in a movingly compelling way. We just love her for all the wrong reasons. She was challenging, snobbish, elitist, disappointingly chauvinistic towards her gender, unsympathetic to the feminist cause. Thankyou all for bringing her to such vivid life embodied by our brilliant Suranne Jones!

[@catherinedunsmore2249]

Anything you touch Sally is just magical. Can't see enough of your amazing work!🌹

[@helenferullo5706]

Grew up in Huddersfield in the North of England and enjoy any stories coming from that area. When I found Happy Valley I was thrilled and have watched the series several times and have recommended it to many friends. Now I follow anything which Sally is involved with in any way including interviews. Thank you Sally. Looking forward to continuation of Happy Valley,.

[@jcporter9343]

Wainwright is my hero. She and Suranne can do anything

[@annamcknight2573]

So sad you are not directing this time around, Sally. It would be interesting to see where Anne would have come on the Sociopath scale. Her callousness takes my breath away at times. She also fascinates me and I admire her too. It sounds like Anne's life needs to be screened as a Coronation Street style soap to contain all the detail in the diary. As to other characters to dramatize, what about some of the intrepid women travelers of the Victorian period? At least one led a wild life.

[@Katieawfc15]

So happy this has now been uploaded as Sally & Faith are so amazing and interesting.X

[@rosearcand3843]

can someone go through all the letters that muriel green saved and put out a full book of all the letters. it would be great. I'll buy that book

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

Very much inspired by GJ's scripts. In fact I'm even writing a play right now set in the immediate wake of Queen Victoria's wedding in February 1840.

[@maryethomas2]

One of my favourite interviews with Sally!

[@JakeSmith-m7n]

I have a 1980 version of gentlemen jack. i have tried to write it into words but not to fruition.?

[@dancewomyn1]

Such brilliant work, an inspiration. So grateful to have met Anne Lister through your writing. Reading her diaries now!

[@dimey641]

Why Suranne Jones? Is perfect for Anne Lister!!

[@christinaseeland9243]

So so so impressed. Thank you.

[@midgebattelle9084]

lovely presentation I'd love to see someone write a drama concerning the life of the painter Rosa Bonheur....another period piece.

[@JakeSmith-m7n]

pretty sure,

[@gaynorroberts8201]

I feel we were left in the lurch. What happened to Anne Lister? What happened to Ann Walker? I've done the research and came away very sad. I like to think Ann Walker had some further happiness after her true love's death.