Liverpool premiere for "Bongo" Eddie Folk story

He fell in love and made Liverpool his home. And now the real-life story of the late “Bongo” Eddie Folk is set to be told in the city – with the help of his old band Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

Genie in the Gutter, the Hope Street-based charity which uses theatre and creativity to help people with addiction to rebuild their lives, is staging One Man’s Story at the Philharmonic Hall on September 7.

The theatrical show, penned by Genie in the Gutter director Carolyn Edwards, will feature both professional actors and creative team along with service users and former service users of the charity, which celebrates its 10th birthday in 2018.

And Kid Creole and the Coconuts will fly in to perform in the show.

Carolyn Edwards, who was “Bongo” Eddie’s partner before his death from cancer in 2016, said today: “We’re aiming to raise funds with this production so that our charity continues to thrive, helping those who need the service for many years to come.

“Through the involvement of our own clients the production also reflects the essence of what we do at Genie In The Gutter. This is also a hugely significant personal project for me, and a tribute to my dear Eddie, who had, and continues to have, a huge impact on the lives of so many people.”

Folk was a world-renowned musician who grew up in New York and performed with music stars like Al Green and James Brown as well as being percussionist with Kid Creole and the Coconuts, before finding his home, and love, in Liverpool.

The production explores his against-the-odds success story, from his upbringing in Brooklyn in 1950s America, to his rise to the top of the charts as a world-class percussionist and vocalist, and the years he spent living in Liverpool.

It also tells the true love story of his relationship with Genie In The Gutter director Edwards, and the grief and creative awakening she has experienced through her connection with him since he passed away in 2016.

One Man’s Story is at the Philharmonic Hall on Friday, September 7. Tickets from the website HERE