Born In The USA

Following 4 and 5 star reviews in Edinburgh and at London’s Park Theatre, this enthralling and timely solo play is touring the UK in 2025.

Michigan. Present day. Jimmy Vandenburg, ex-Ford factory car worker, works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the man ‘born down in a dead man’s town’, the antihero of the Bruce Springsteen anthem, trying to survive in the economic wasteland of the rust belt.

A decorated Vietnam war veteran, Jimmy felt his service for his country was ignored after he came home. Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to Jimmy’s disillusionment.

But his new-found politics drives a wedge between him and his wife and daughter until a chance visit by the son of a fallen comrade makes him doubt his convictions and leads to a profound emotional reconciliation.

This multi-layered, often humorous and intensely moving solo play by award-winning actor-playwright Richard Vergette is a timely exploration of what drives populist politics and how they seduce the disillusioned and the disaffected.

Edinburgh Fringe Review

‘Gripping piece of theatre that should be experienced by all generations…a compelling, heart-wrenching tale.’

★★★★★

One4Review

‘Beautifully written and acted play. I was moved to tears.’