Born In The USA
Born In The USA
Written and Performed by Richard Vergette
Michigan. Present day. Ex-Ford factory worker Jimmy Vandenburg works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the antihero of the Bruce Springsteen anthem, born down in a dead man’s town, trying to get by in the economic wasteland of the rust belt.
An extraordinary tour de force, both uplifting and devastating in equal measure
A decorated Vietnam war veteran, Jimmy feels his service for his country was ignored after he came home, so Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to his disillusionment. But his new found politics drive a wedge between him and his wife. Then a chance visit by the son of a marine comrade killed in the war makes him doubt his convictions and confront his trauma in a profound emotional reconciliation.
This highly praised, moving, and often humorous solo play bravely challenges assumptions about what drives populist politics to show how they can seduce the disillusioned and the disaffected. Following rave reviews in Edinburgh and London, this gripping play is touring the UK.
compelling… a clever piece of storytelling which resists the temptation to lead the audience towards one-dimensional empathy or opprobrium
Written and Performed by Richard Vergette
Born in Lincolnshire, Richard was a Drama teacher in the Yorkshire and Humber region for 30 years. Writing highlights include: An Englishman’s Home (24.7 Theatre Festival Manchester 2007) As We Forgive Them (24.7 - Manchester Evening News nominee for Best New Play 2009), American Justice (Arts Theatre, West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015-2016), Dancing through the Shadows (Hull Truck, 2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck, 2018), Hunt the Tiger (R and D at Cast Theatre, Doncaster 2020), Missing you (Audio Drama produced by Made in Manchester, featuring June Brown in her final role, 2020).
Add more to your visit
Prices
Tickets £25
Concessions £18
Access Free Essential Companion Tickets available
The following concessions apply on standard tickets (Mon-Thu):
- Students & Under 25s
- Job Seekers, Pension Credit & Universal Credit recipients
- Surrey Carers Cardholders
The following discounts apply on standard tickets:
- Members
See More Save More - Multi-Buy Tickets
Prices include all applicable fees & levies.
Find out more about our concessions & discounts.
Details
Venue: Main House
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 mins without an interval
Thu 11 Sep 2025, 7.30pm
AccessibilityTo book accessible tickets and discuss your access requirements, please contact our Box Office.
For more info on Accessibility, click here.
Ages 14+, descriptions of violent death in warfare
Born In The USA
Written and Performed by Richard Vergette
Michigan. Present day. Ex-Ford factory worker Jimmy Vandenburg works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the antihero of the Bruce Springsteen anthem, born down in a dead man’s town, trying to get by in the economic wasteland of the rust belt.
An extraordinary tour de force, both uplifting and devastating in equal measure
A decorated Vietnam war veteran, Jimmy feels his service for his country was ignored after he came home, so Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to his disillusionment. But his new found politics drive a wedge between him and his wife. Then a chance visit by the son of a marine comrade killed in the war makes him doubt his convictions and confront his trauma in a profound emotional reconciliation.
This highly praised, moving, and often humorous solo play bravely challenges assumptions about what drives populist politics to show how they can seduce the disillusioned and the disaffected. Following rave reviews in Edinburgh and London, this gripping play is touring the UK.
compelling… a clever piece of storytelling which resists the temptation to lead the audience towards one-dimensional empathy or opprobrium
Written and Performed by Richard Vergette
Born in Lincolnshire, Richard was a Drama teacher in the Yorkshire and Humber region for 30 years. Writing highlights include: An Englishman’s Home (24.7 Theatre Festival Manchester 2007) As We Forgive Them (24.7 - Manchester Evening News nominee for Best New Play 2009), American Justice (Arts Theatre, West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015-2016), Dancing through the Shadows (Hull Truck, 2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck, 2018), Hunt the Tiger (R and D at Cast Theatre, Doncaster 2020), Missing you (Audio Drama produced by Made in Manchester, featuring June Brown in her final role, 2020).
Add more to your visit
Prices
Tickets £25
Concessions £18
Access Free Essential Companion Tickets available
The following concessions apply on standard tickets (Mon-Thu):
- Students & Under 25s
- Job Seekers, Pension Credit & Universal Credit recipients
- Surrey Carers Cardholders
The following discounts apply on standard tickets:
- Members
See More Save More - Multi-Buy Tickets
Prices include all applicable fees & levies.
Find out more about our concessions & discounts.
Details
Venue: Main House
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 mins without an interval
Thu 11 Sep 2025, 7.30pm
AccessibilityTo book accessible tickets and discuss your access requirements, please contact our Box Office.
For more info on Accessibility, click here.
Ages 14+, descriptions of violent death in warfare
