Three shows featuring US political themes at the Edinburgh Festival 2024…

The Bronze Boy | Greenside @ Riddles Court | 2-24 Aug
There’s always a fair amount of political content at the Edinburgh Festival, whether it’s in interesting talks or the result of more creative endeavours. And there’s always a lot to be said about the politics of the USA. ‘The Bronze Boy’ touches on a hot US topic, one that gets the rest of the world talking: the national obsession with guns. It’s also about love and loss, and is funny as well as provocative. Info and tickets here. 

Ellie MacPherson: Babe Lincoln | Pleasance Courtyard | 31 Jul-25 Aug
As I said, political content comes in many shapes at this here Festival. Sometimes it’s not that serious, and sometimes, like here, the focus is the past, not the present. You might remember Ellie MacPherson’s previous comedic cabaret ‘Happy Birthday, Mr President!’, a history of US presidents in song. Well, she’s back: “Ellie wants your vote and she’s getting it the only way she knows how, by singing and sharing stories from America’s past”. Info and tickets here.

Born In The USA (Leaving Vietnam) | C alto | 31 Jul-25 Aug (pictured)
Another returning talent is Richard Vergette, who performed this show at the 2022 edfringe, our reviewer gave it a really good write up. A London run followed that, which is when that I spoke to Richard about the creation of the play and its inspiration – you should read that Q&A to find out more. But, in a nutshell, this play is about a disillusioned Vietnam veteran who is hooked by Trump’s MAGA message. Info and tickets here.