A young comedy duo are taking their talents across the pond to star in their own show at a top American club.

Comedy writers James Bishop, 22, of Faringdon Road, Abingdon, and Chris Douch, 21, from Hunters Close, Grove, have landed themselves an hour-long show at the world-famous UCB Theatre, which has had the likes of Robin Williams, Chevy Chase and Jack Black on the bill, in New York on Thursday.

And they have even managed to rope in a host of top names including scriptwriter for Saturday Night Live Leo Allen and musician Andrew Thompson.

Former Abingdon School pupil Mr Bishop, now a creative writing student, said: "We're absolutely terrified and also excited.

"The club just got back to us and offered us an hour-long show and we just couldn't turn it down.

"I think they think we're bigger than we are over here.

"It's scary to know that people are buying tickets to see a show we've written."

The pair met while working at a shop in Oxford and they have already made a series of comedy videos, which have featured cameos from the cast members of The Office, The Mighty Boosh and comedian Sean Lock.

Mr Bishop added: "Chris is just like a library of comedy.

"He knows about everyone in comedy and just emailed people and for some reason they just agree to do things for us."

Mr Douch, who works at WHSmith in Wantage, added: "It's all been through the Internet, just getting contacts, being persistent and approaching the right people."

But the pair aren't worried about how their English humour will go down with an audience of Americans.

Mr Bishop said: "Even if they don't get it I think they will just pretend they do."

Mr Douch, who attended King Alfred's School, in Wantage, said one highlight of the show is a sketch where King Herod and Jesus flat-share.

He said: "There are a few unique things and some superhero sketches.

"I'm hoping it will give us a bit more exposure and a few more people will know who we are."

Both have set their sights on becoming comedy writers.

Mr Bishop said: "I just love writing comedy, it's something which comes naturally.

"I started off being a bit of a joker at school and even now some people say to me stop trying to be funny.

"I find it very hard to be serious. Even at university doing my degree I often find it hard writing about serious things."