Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam)

This play takes you through an array of emotions as the actor’s mesmerising story telling teleports you back to the Vietnam War to the volatile social and political landscape of today. Passionately told, the writer does a great job at both correlating and contrasting the rapidly shifting state of consciousness of the American psyche (and perhaps the world’s). There’s a subtle (but I couldn’t disregard) undertone of a serious message being relayed here. This is a honest, jovial and heartfelt account touching on worrying political and social trends.

A totally absorbing and emotional play about one man's post war struggles and how it might relate to modern day politics. Quite intense in places. Brilliantly performed by the writer himself. Absolutely worth seeing.

Good one man show. Fantastic stuff from the actor. He recants the life of the character with all the challenges both in Vietnam and afterwards. I did think the link to Trump and MAGA was a touch funnelled in. But that takes nothing away from the actor who was engaging.

A really brilliant one man show executed brilliantly. Very emotional story about a man struggling with life after serving in Vietnam.
Highly recommend this show

This is a totally absorbing telling of a sad part of American history. Written and performed by the author, Richard Vergette. Presented from the perspective of a normal American guy who volunteered to fight in Vietnam for his country. Unliksny, he lived to tell the tale. By the time he returned, the public opinion in the States about the war had shifted massively. Those combatants were vilified for what they had done for their country.
The ending of the story had me in tears.
So well worth seeing. Thank you Richard!

I saw this show under its original title (Leaving Vietnam) in 2022 and absolutely loved it. Knowing that it had been slightly amended and seeing it back at Edinburgh I just had to see it again. It is, by far, one of the most powerful pieces of writing I have ever come across and it has lost none of its passion or heart after the revision. Coupled with a truly astonishing tour de force by actor and writer, Richard Vergette, this is a must see show. In total I have seen it four times now and I am always an emotional wreck at the end with tears streaming down my face!

If you see nothing else at the Fringe you must see Born in the USA. If I could give stars it would be a straight 5* show without a shadow of doubt!

Stumbling across shows like this is why I love the Fringe. A sharp, insightful and nuanced script is brilliantly brought to life by a wonderful performer. A brilliant little show that deserves a much higher profile. Go and see it, you won’t regret it.

Phenomenal and powerful performance, I was hooked throughout. An uncomfortable story but one that needs to be told.
I can't praise this enough.

An excellent production with an outstanding performance by Richard Vergette. I saw the original Leaving Vietnam two years ago and was hugely impressed by the way the show has progressed and current themes included. Truly a magnificent piece of theatre.

A brilliant piece. Witty, visceral, and thoroughly thought-provoking. Richard Vergette should also be commended for his unwavering performance despite problems with the venue's stifling heat and a couple of noises off.

Other reviews say it all. Not to be missed

I would highly recommend this one man show. The audience were gripped from the start and were taken on an emotional journey for the next hour. Highly recommend this show fantastic actor. It deserves to be in a bigger venue although perhaps the intimacy of the performance helped the audiences experience.

The best fringe show. Extremely well written and performed and most thought provoking. If you visit the Fringe then do not miss this one.

Amazing show, full of incredible story telling and raw emotion. A great performance accompanied by sound and lighting which really helps us enter the world of such a captivating story. Great moment to end the show as well with friendly company members.

Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam) (*****)
This one man show has a Vietnam veteran tell of his experiences in Vietnam as an enlisted Marine, and how they continued to influence his life for decades. His bond with a medic provides a touchstone for the taciturn autoworker’s tale. While I am not a veteran, his confrontation with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. mirrored my own deep appreciation of those soldiers.


This is the 5th most enjoyable of the 80 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see more than 150 this year. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/

This show is gripping and gritty. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran I'm so glad I went.

The last fifteen minutes were particularly gripping. I was left very moved. Excellent acting; the acting & story brought you in so I was left rooting for a character I didn’t think I’d relate to.

There are many solo shows at EdFringe but few of such quality as this. Exceptional writing, and exceptional performance - this is a true fringe gem. A masterclass in storytelling, character, and theatre craft. Don’t miss it.

A very well written and acted play. It leaves a complicated political dynamic complicated, while adding a human dimension to our current American schism.

‘Vergette’s acting was wonderful. A brilliant performance ... An engrossing one man show … a compelling play … genuinely moving … This play deserves an hour of your time … Recommended.’ ****
NorthWestEnd.com