Edinburgh Festival Fringe Reviews 7

I received an email from Cris at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, advising that the access booking form was launched for 2026, which allows for priority access or specific information to be shared with the organisers re additional support needs, I tried to access the form but it was password protected, I emailed Cris back and was sent a new link to the new form and this allowed me submit updated information for this year for my husband. Cris emailed me back and advised that the form hadn’t been received and offered to update any additional details, this dedication and commitment to ensuring the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is accessible to everyone is exactly why we support the event every year. A massive thanks to Cris for the support and commitment they have shown throughout.

The website is rubbish, taking hours to load and tickets timing out before you have chance to add in more tickets

Richard Vergette's *Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam)* is a searing, emotionally charged piece that captivates from its first moment. Set against the turbulent backdrop of post-Vietnam America, Vergette masterfully weaves the personal with the political, creating a narrative that is as much about one man’s inner turmoil as it is about the broader societal fractures that echo to this day.

Vergette’s performance as Jimmy Vandenberg is nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal of a Vietnam veteran grappling with the trauma of a war long past, and the disillusionment that follows, is both raw and deeply moving. Vergette's ability to channel Jimmy's anguish, frustration, and eventual redemption speaks volumes about his talent as both a writer and performer. The monologues are delivered with such intensity and authenticity that you feel every ounce of Jimmy’s pain and confusion, making his journey profoundly relatable.

Directors Andy Jordan and Andrew Pearson deserve immense credit for their sensitive and precise direction. The pacing is tight, the transitions seamless, and the emotional beats hit with impeccable timing. The minimalistic staging, supported by Peter Milligan’s adept stage management, allows Vergette’s performance to shine, while Don Hill’s original music subtly underscores the play’s shifting tones, adding layers of depth to the experience.

What makes *Born in the USA* truly stand out is its poignant relevance to contemporary America. The play doesn’t just look back at the scars left by Vietnam; it draws a direct line to the current political climate, where disenfranchisement and bitterness can lead people down dark paths. Yet, amid this bleakness, Vergette offers a glimmer of hope. The play’s redemptive message—that true healing comes from reclaiming our shared humanity rather than clinging to distorted histories—resonates powerfully.

In summary, *Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam)* is a tour de force, a compelling exploration of the personal and political scars that linger long after the last shots are fired. Vergette’s performance is mesmerizing, the direction is flawless, and the narrative is both timely and timeless. It’s a must-see at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, and a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the enduring power of hope.

Brilliant show. Went to Edinburgh fringe with about 10 members with a learning disability to see a show embrace me comedian @Jack Freeman. Absolutely amazing never laughed so much in my life. And the whole group enjoyed there selfs.

With over 3000 shows of course it is inevitable that you get a few bad ones. But there are always a few outstanding ones.
This review about Fringe Customer Service. To be plain they are useless. No willingness to help or anything. I myself work in customer service so I know how it works.

We people living on Royal Mile are always glad after this awful period of fringe festival finish.... this festival and the benevolence of its organizers are making the streets of this beautiful city look like garbage landfill... flyers of shows everywhere, tourists scammed to come to some shows by young lads with "best-rated show on the fringe". The fringe festival should be cancelled forever, or at least change the people who organize it