About the show

Born In The USA

Andy Jordan Productions

A multi-layered one-man play with 5 star London and Edinburgh reviews

UK TOUR FROM MARCH 2025

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.

A few of the many glowing reviews from Edinburgh and London

Edinburgh Fringe Review 
Gripping piece of theatre that should be experienced by all generations…a compelling, heart-wrenching tale. 
★★★★★
 
Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe, Edinburgh 2024
Highly Recommended 
★★★★

The List
Theatre Highlight
★★★★★

Reviews Hub 
An extraordinary tour de force, both uplifting and devastating in equal measure.
★★★★★

TheatreVibe.co.uk
This play is a gem: tightly written and controlled.… the most effective piece of political theatre I’ve seen for years … it keeps you watching and caring for every second. 

EdinburghGuide.com
An ending that is both devastating and uplifting. A highly recommended production that resonates today.
★★★★

LondonLivingLarge.com 
A moving, thought-provoking piece of theatre
★★★★

Hackney Citizen
This drama has the audience on the edge of its seat.

Bobbi Fenton Productions 
A masterpiece
★★★★★

Camden New Journal 
A stunning exploration of what drives populist politics and how they seduce the disaffected

Reviews Reel 
Vergette’s ability to tell a story is quite something. I highly recommend it.
★★★★

One4Review 
Beautifully written and acted play. I was moved to tears 
★★★★★

Keep me updated!