The Talking Heads is one of Southampton’s most original and eclectic music venues, featuring a wide range of dynamic genres – from rock and jazz, through reggae and soul, to folk and blues – on almost every night of the week.

This long-established arty pub, in Portswood, has always had a quirky and distinctive dimly-lit ambience.

Years ago, there were mannequins lurking in the shadows; now there are guitars, drums and cymbals on the walls and ceiling.

The Heads’ staff are cheerful and efficient, the drinks and entrance tickets reasonably priced, and the clientele invariably studenty and knowledgeable.

Through a small audience of about 30 people wandered Nikki Grahame, the drama princess from TV’s Big Brother.

Accompanied by a single rhythm guitarist – with a bland, samey, slightly out-of-tune guitar – Grahame sang five or six covers, and then wandered off.

The short 25-minute set revealed Grahame’s voice to be interesting, but occasionally thin, lacking clarity and sometimes flat.

The patter started promisingly: “I’ve been to Southampton before, visiting a friend at uni...” but soon petered out.

Appearing in Big Brother has given her a curious charisma, an endearing stage presence, and a great opportunity in showbiz, and she could probably get a gig in a panto.

However, without a proper band, adequate rehearsal and a decent set list, pretending to be a singer, in a venue where real musicians play, is a mistake.

Brendan McCusker