Live review: Flight of the Conchords

The Kiwi duo haven't lost their hilarious edge even after all these years
It's been a bit of a pleasure watching Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement's meteoric ascent over the last 16 years or so. From their first flush of Edinburgh Fringe success in 2002 to the HBO TV show that made them global comedy stars, and on to their work on major Hollywood films The Muppets (McKenzie) and Moana (Clement), it's all built up to this major worldwide tour. And tonight at Glasgow's Hydro (a rescheduled date after Bret broke his hand in the spring) they seem completely at ease with a crowd of 12,000 people.
Long-time fans of their decade-old TV series seem to make up the bulk of that number, and there's plenty to keep them happy. After a solid supporting set from their TV landlord Eugene Mirman, we're treated to superb renditions of classics, including 'Hurt Feelings', 'Robots', 'The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room)' and 'Foux de Fafa' (though 'Business Time' and 'Hiphopopotamus Vs. Rhymenoceros' are noticeable absences from their small-screen repertoire).
They apologise for being older and greyer but middle age suits Flight of the Conchords. The biggest thrill of the night is, unexpectedly, their fresh material, despite a few well-handled stumbles through relatively unfamiliar lyrics. Their new songs – which range from a Britrock send-up of an office romance to the wonderful opener about a father and son's relationship – are hilarious, proving that TV success hasn't dulled the witty, pitch-perfect musical talents of the Kiwi duo. It's a joyous evening and a fitting reminder that Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are even better on stage than on screen.
Flight of the Conchords are on tour until Wednesday 4 July. Reviewed at the SSE Hydro, Monday 18 June.