The Sorries - all-singing all-playing kilted duo Douglas Kay and Martin Philip is a tribute act to Scottish folk group The Corries (1960s-1990). The session begins with an explosion as they enter banging on bodhrans - small hand-held drums resembling tambourines without the cymbals - singing a rousing war-march. Both men are charming, handsome and tuneful. They move smoothly from one song to the next with a comfortable easy manner which belies their obvious talent.

Haunting ballads written by poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) jostle with up-tempo, witty jigs from a hundred years ago. Each song tells a story about the life or hopes of simple men and women from another age, filled with nostalgia and hearth fires burning in the glen. It is not long before toes are tapping and on this occasion a bit of a sing-a-long. This is encouraged in one feel-good ditty about seafarers bound for Australia, which becomes a duet between audience and band.

While many in attendance are clearly fans of The Sorries and The Corries, this is a lovely hour's entertainment for anyone who loves music and is open to different cultures and styles. Douglas Kay and Martin Philip clearly love what they do and enjoy working together. Their brotherly banter between songs is heart-warming and genuinely funny; they create a feeling of being part of the family and sharing in the humour. This is good-old-fashioned family entertainment - inoffensive, accessible and a real slice of Scotland.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Performers: Douglas Kay - vocals, guitar bodhran. Martin Philip - vocals, guitar, bodhran.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - The Sorries. Website - www.thesorries.co.uk.

END

(c) Diana Thomas 2009

reviewed Monday 10 August 09 / Diverse Attractions, Edinburgh UK