Trump’s populist slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to disillusioned war veteran Jimmy in rustbelt Michigan but his new-found politics threaten to tear his family apart – until an unexpected visit leads to a profound emotional reconciliation. Original, humorous, intensely moving storytelling, redemptive and hopeful, about overcoming trauma, and having to face it to overcome it. From award-winning actor-playwright Richard Vergette.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
It tells the story of Jimmy Vandenberg, a retired Michigan car worker and combat veteran from the Vietnam War. Feeling alienated and ‘washed up’ Jimmy is drawn to Trump’s mission to ‘Make America Great Again’. His new found convictions cause tension in his marriage but a visit from the son of a fallen comrade leads to a redemptive conclusion.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m the writer and performer so I felt it was really important that I involved other people in the process at the earliest opportunity. I have a number of ‘readers’ who gave really useful feedback on the script and then a strict and intensive process of dramaturgy with both Andy Jordan (producer and co-director) and Andy Pearson (co-director). The show is an updated version of Leaving Vietnam which went down really well two years ago. However, time and events have moved on and we wanted to revise the play in the light of those events. Furthermore, whilst the original script focused more on Jimmy’s time in Vietnam, the new version focused more on the aftermath.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
This will be my 40th anniversary! I came to my first fringe in 1984 as an undergrad from Bretton Hall! I’ve been up several times since then, although 2022 was my first fringe in 22 years! I still feel as excited as I did when I was in my 20s. I tend to go to bed a little bit earlier these days and party perhaps just a little less hard!! But it’s a wonderful event and I’m thrilled to be coming back at the grand old age of 61!
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
It’s the most emotionally intense show on the fringe. If you’re not moved by Jimmy’s story either you’ve got no soul or I’ve not done a great job! It’s a serious look at the rise of populism and how a fundamentally decent guy – as Jimmy is – can start to support individuals and causes that are anything but decent. This is an emotionally intense solo show, but one with plenty of humour too, and as current as any political drama can be.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Hope. Despite the serious subject matter the play has a redemptive message. I feel strongly that we need to try to understand the motives of people we disagree with and deal with them compassionately. Jimmy is wrong about a lot of things – which doesn’t stop him from being a good man.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
I genuinely don’t feel there’s such a thing as an ideal audience. Two years ago a performance of Leaving Vietnam played to a large audience who gave it a standing ovation at the end. The next day, the audience was smaller and quieter and – to be honest – I felt a bit deflated. Then afterwards, an elderly gentleman came up to me, thrust his hand out and introduced himself with the words “How come you got it right, you’re a Brit!” He was a US veteran who’d served in the Vietnam War. It was possibly the single most special moment I experienced with the play. I’ve played to the elderly and I’ve played to teenagers. It’s not a kid’s show but students have enjoyed it. After one performance I was introduced to an elderly American lady who told me that her husband had served in Vietnam and had died from the effects of Agent Orange. And then the wonderful drama students from Exeter University came ‘mob-handed’ to see the show and then sent their parents the next day! Whatever your taste in theatre I think the play reaches out to you.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I’m really lucky because I am staying with my cousin and her family in Murrayfield. She’s more of a big sister and they look after me really well. Sitting in her back garden I could be a world away from the fringe.
I’m a big fan of the comedian Richard Stott. He regularly has jokes in the Fringe ‘Top 10’ so I’m looking forward to seeing his new show ‘Trade’ at The Mash House.
I’m really looking forward to seeing Lubna Kerr’s show Chatterbox. Lubna got many plaudits two years ago with her show, Tickbox and the follow-up promises to be as reflective, funny and touching as the first.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
If I had the answer to that I’d be a rich man!!
People have always regarded the fringe as prohibitively expensive – they even did in the 80s when I was able to hire a two-hour slot in the middle week for £250 (in a central venue mind you!). But now it really has become so expensive to perform and to stay in Edinburgh that one wonders if this really is a ‘fringe’ or rather a gathering of the well-heeled and the well-funded. Brilliant, innovative theatre still happens in Edinburgh but too much of it goes under the radar. Possibly the time has come for a re-think!
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’