Consider Barnes' use of surprise and reversals in "The Ruling Class"
The Ruling Class is a play about a class that does not rule! Peter Barnes uses the elements of surprise and reversals throughout the play to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
The patriotic start, in the prologue, complete with national anthem, sets the scene with the 13th Earl of Gurney addressing the society of St George. The toast is "-England. This precious stone set in a silver sea." Within moments we have the first surprise and reversal of the play. The Earl undresses with the help of his manservant, only to replace his formal dress and medals with a ballet tutu and a three-cornered cocked hat. This is the first of many hilarious revelations about the aristocratic family. …
