One Man’s Story is the transatlantic tale and touching true love story of “Bongo” Eddie Folk.
Merseyside charity Genie In The Gutter is celebrating its tenth anniversary by taking over the Philharmonic Hall on Friday 7th September, as they produce their first major musical theatre production, with a special live set from Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
One Man’s Story tells the story of “Bongo” Eddie Folk, a world-renowned musician who grew up in New York and performed with the likes of Al Green, James Brown, and 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, 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 and One Man’s Story writer Carolyn Edwards, and the grief and creative awakening she has experienced through her connection with Eddie since he sadly passed away in 2016.
Genie In The Gutter, which supports people in recovery through creative and performance arts, will be employing clients as actors, musicians, set designers and stagehands, alongside seasoned theatre professionals.
Based on Rodney Street in Liverpool city centre, the charity helps over 150 clients per year to recover from their addiction and reclaim their lives, empowering them to lead a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Genie In The Gutter’s impact, which sees it benefit the region’s economy by reducing the strain on the NHS, law enforcement and government services, has helped it garner multiple awards, including the prestigious Mayor’s Award for Social Innovation.
Carolyn Edwards, said, “We are 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.”
Directed by award-winning director and producer Jen Heyes, the show contains a special live set from chart-toppers Kid Creole and the Coconuts, with whom “Bongo” Eddie performed for over 30 years. The band are coming together to pay tribute to their former bandmate and friend, and to show their support for the incredible work of Genie In The Gutter.
Kid Creole and the Coconuts, who had a string of hits in the 1980s, including Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy and Stool Pigeon, will be bringing their trademark tropical house party vibe to the stage once again, for what promises to be an unforgettable evening at the Philharmonic Hall.
August Darnell, frontman of Kid Creole and the Coconuts, said, “We travelled the world together and tripped the light fantastic… Eddie’s extreme sense of humor soon became a tonic for me, and for the other band members. He was the life of the party. I miss Bongo Eddie for numerous reasons, far too many to list here. But if I had to list the pre-eminent reason I would say this: he was my friend through thick and thin.
Tickets for this one-off show on Friday 7th September are available now. Call 0151 709 3789 to book, or see the link for details: http://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/one-mans-story. Tickets are priced at £17.50-£30.
Catherine Jones