WIN a Pair of Tickets to the World Premiere of Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack – Plus Dinner For 2 at Sarto

Northern Ballet’s 2026 opens with a major cultural moment – the world premiere of Gentleman Jack.

Anne Lister is a true Yorkshire icon. Born and raised in Halifax, the formidable landowner and entrepreneur lived at Shibden Hall, carving out a life that defied 19th-century expectations.

Often described as ‘the first modern lesbian’, she dressed as she pleased, loved who she wanted and documented her life in coded diaries that would later reshape how her story was understood. Those writings have inspired biographies, novels and a hit TV series – and now, a bold new production from Northern Ballet.

We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to experience opening night in style, with a pair of tickets to Gentleman Jack at Leeds Grand Theatre, a programme and ice creams at the interval, plus dinner for two at Sarto. Enter now for your chance to win.

Be one of the first to see Northern Ballet’s newest production

Credit: Colleen Mair

Land this prize and you’ll be in the audience for the opening night of Gentleman Jack. Running from Saturday 7th March to Saturday 14th 2026 at Leeds Grand, the premiere is Northern Ballet’s latest original production, bringing Anne Lister’s extraordinary life to the stage. With powerful choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and new live music by Peter Salem, her story is told with authenticity, impact and respect.

Set against the rigid rules of the 19th century, the ballet explores how Anne quietly challenged expectations around gender, identity, ambition and love. Her once-secret diaries – filled with romance, risk-taking business decisions and unapologetic self-belief – provide rich material for a groundbreaking production that pushes the boundaries of classical ballet.

Tuck into homemade pasta at Sarto

Credit: Sarto

Your prize also includes a two-course meal for two at Sarto – one of Leeds’ go-to spots for bold, modern Italian cooking. Specialising in freshly made pasta, everything is made from scratch and flavour always comes first. It’s the perfect place to kick off a night of culture, storytelling and show-stopping performance at the ballet.

Menus change with the seasons, but you could find yourself diving into miso garlic fettuccine, silk-soft fazzoletti with rich pig cheek ragù and rigatoni loaded with confit duck leg. Expect big flavours, generous portions and pasta done properly, paired with your choice of house lager or wine.

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