It seems the way of things now that any musical duo will compare themselves, if only fleetingly, to Flight of the Conchords. To their credit, Horse & Louis can make this link with more justification than most, given that they both bear a striking resemblance to the Kiwi couple (from certain angles and in some lights anyway).

The New Zealanders are mentioned as part of an enterprising opening routine in which they sing about who they are most definitely not (it would be unfair to spoil too much of the song, but Morse & Lewis is probably the cleverest reference).

It’s a promising start but the quality dips soon after and at a staggeringly rapid rate as the show is hamstrung by several things, largest of which is the central running joke that the pair have a curse hanging over them. This mainly manifests itself with Louis being spooked by a change in lighting or freaked out by a spooky sound effect and running away with a scream.

Back onstage, the materials shows little sign of improving as they deliver weak ditties about Kurt Cobain, Jesus and crows. And it’s fair enough, if rather easy to take a pop at Russell Brand. But why then emulate his ‘lunge’ motif and pass it off as your own?

Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 12.55pm, £9--£9.50 (£8--£8.50).

Horse and Louis at the Musical Comedy Awards 2010 semi final