BORN in Swaythling, it's possible to argue that talented songwriter Steve Knightley's true roots are in Southampton.

"I lived on Portsdown Hill as a youngster and still have a couple of Aunties who live in the area. In fact, both of my grandfathers worked at the docks in Southampton and their seafaring storytelling skills I have inherited have had a big influence on my music."

Show of Hands, made up of Steve alongside Phil Beer, won the title of Best Live Act in the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk awards.

Their enigmatic live performances combined with Steve's powerful original music have justified comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, Crowded House and U2.

However, Steve doesn't like to classify Show of Hands as a run-of-the-mill folk act.

"Our songs are retrospective stories about a wide range of subject materials. Our music tells tales of travel, journeys and working the land and sea. Other folk performers tend to explore personal relationships in their music, and do so very successfully. However, we felt there was a niche for a good West country storytelling act."

Steve moved to east Devon as a youngster, and it is here that he laid his true musical and personal foundations.

"I consider Devon to be my home and there is still a big clan of Knightleys in the West country."

Steve actually taught music in Dorset in the mid-1980s and one of his pupils was none other than rock goddess PJ Harvey.

"I lived half a mile from the Harvey house, and Polly came to me for a dozen or so guitar lessons when she was about 16. She was obviously talented and had a fantastic grasp of music. We even did a few gigs together back then in some Dorset blues clubs." The Show of Hands gig tonight will showcase some of the duo's latest material.

"We've got a live album coming up later this year and another album in the pipeline for next year, so the Gosport and Fareham Easter Festival gig will preview of some of our new tracks."

Despite having two sold-out Royal Albert Hall concerts under their belt, the duo still like to perform at smaller venues.

"Audiences know to expect a bit of banter and some funny anecdotes alongside our moody music, and tonight's Ferneham Hall performance should be an enjoyable gig."

Show of Hands plan to do another Royal Albert Hall show in the future, but for now they are happy to do what they do best - tell musical stories to an intimate and captivated audience.

Tickets for tonight's (Good Friday) 7.30pm show cost £15. Call 01329 231942