Act 1-When a truly patriotic member of the House of Lords dies in a shockingly silly way, he leaves his estate to his son, Jack, the designated Fourteenth Earl of Gurney. Unfortunately, Jack believes he is Jesus Christ, the “God of Love”. But with his creed of Love and his extremely eccentric behavior he fails to be respected in the British upper class. Therefore, the other members of the family plot to steal his inheritance. Sir Charles, Jacks unscrupulous uncle, arranges the marriage of Jack and Charles’ mistress, Grace. Their newborn heir, his nephew, is supposed to take over the estate from his crazy father.
Since intensive psychotherapy cannot cure Jacks schizophrenia, his therapist decides to confront him with a patient who believes himself to be „The Electric Messiah“. Two Gods in one room, the fight is predestinated. In its outcome one of them must admit to be a hallucinating schizophrenic and come back to reason. The plan works out; Jack appears to convalesce, calling out “I’m Jack, I’m Jack”, while Grace gives birth to a healthy boy.
Act 2- Sadly, Jack believes himself to be Jack the Ripper. With his new ability pretending to behave sane he deceives not only his family, but also a curt appointed psychiatrist. Fully rehabilitated, the violent psychopath with a fanatical hatred of women, murders Lady Claire who is ambitiously trying to seduce him. He, however, detracts the guilt from himself, framing Tucker, the family butler, for the murder. After that, Jack assumes his place in the House of Lords with an applauded speech in favor of corporal punishment and death penalty.
That night he murders Grace for expressing her love to her cured husband. Where Jake will strike next is open for interpretation.
The English Theatre Frankfurt offered an elaborated and extravagant production of Peter Barne’s satire “The Ruling Class”, criticizing English social hierarchy and revealing the obscure structures in the aristocratic class.Supported by a brilliant acting Cast, Richard Ede as Jack brings insanity close to the audience. The play’s plot is long, complex and tightly woven but because of the convincing acting, cunning wordplays, critical allusions and the fascinating mix of hilarity and horror we could enjoy a highly entertaining evening.