THE Flight Of The Conchords (a.k.a the "almost award-winning fourth most-popular folk duo in New Zealand") graced the York Barbican stage last night in the first of three concerts in York. Would the anticipation be worth it?

Supporting Irish comic David O’Doherty and his Bontempi-style keyboard nonsense warmed up the audience, reminiscing about such things as video rentals back in the day and the use of mobile phones, finishing up with a song about Grand Designs.

With no break, the Conchords came on to rapturous applause. Seemingly a bit nervous, the pair were endearingly shambolic at times, occasionally messing up or restarting songs .

Accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (i.e. a cellist called Nigel), the duo of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement started with Father And Son and the show took in Seagull, Hurt Feelings, Inner City Pressure, Bowie’s In Space, Robots, The Most Beautiful Girl In The Room, The Summer Of 1353, Foux Du Fafa and The Bus Driver Song. And an epic recorder solo.

Interspersing the songs with their usual deadpan banter, they made much of the history of York and the constant stream of people going to/from the bar or toilet throughout most the gig. With several full-on rock'n'roll anecdotes that would make the likes of Led Zeppelin wince, the pair loosened up in the second set and really seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Another two nights in York is a proper treat and anyone who managed to get tickets is in for a great night.