It’s a sure-fire ice breaker to say you can play a musical instrument when trying to impress a potential partner.

But to be able to master the drones of a Northern Australian aborigine’s didgeridoo is in a league of its own on the impressive scales.

Once a month a group of Hampshire residents meet to learn how to produce the standard ‘didge’ drone before learning original compositions from Australia. As well as being one of the only ways to ever compare yourself to Rolf Harris when looking for love the evenings run by Active Arts are also a way to meet new people and gain an unusual hobby.

Playing the Aussie phenomenon is not the only unusual performance art ran by the organisation, circus performance, drum circles and African dance workshops are also ran on a monthly basis.

Groups of around six to 14 people meet on Friday evenings for informal guidance and lessons on how to produce similar callings to that of the outback.

Matt Cross, who gives the didgeridoo lessons, is a tree surgeon by day and has even started making his own instruments.

Beginners fear not though, for those just starting out Matt has his own hollow plastic pipes, a little easier for those trying to get to grips with vibrating lips.

Matt, who teaches at the Allsorts Psychic café just off Bedford Place, Southampton, said: “Rolf Harris played a part in bringing the instrument to this country, but the didge scene is really quite big, it’s particularly big in Germany and there’s about four festivals specifically for the didgeridoo in Britain alone.”

Richard Parker, co-ordinator, Active Arts who run the events, said: “I think a lot of people have bought didgeridoos as ornaments so when people hear about our group they want to come along and give it a go out of curiosity.

“People enjoy listening to the sound it makes, it’s a very calm and relaxing sound and maybe that’s why they enjoy playing and listening to the instrument.”

Anyone interested in learning the didgeridoo or any of the activities ran by Active Arts should contact Richard on 023 8038 6708 or email mail@activearts.org.uk.