The After Party is a late night comedy showcase with up-and-coming comedians and mystery guests from the Festival getting on the mic (there is no stage) in a corner of the public bar at the Exford Hotel. The best thing about this party is that it’s free. The downside is that not everyone in attendance is there for the comedy, which can make it a tough gig. A percentage from all drinks sold during The After Party goes to the Children’s Hospital, and seven thousand dollars was raised last year, including funds from other comedy functions at the hotel.

At about 11.30 pm MC Jason Carstens gets it all underway with the opening line ‘Who’s getting pissed’? and I’m thinking Daniel Kitson might not be the mystery guest tonight. The party starts with lots of dick jokes; the atmosphere is thick with laughter, ciggy smoke, and people bustling to get to the toilet. Early standouts are local Sean Modd and international Dan Willis, both manage to grab the crowd’s attention with entertaining sets. But the highlight is when a gentleman called Greg Fleet takes the corner (stage); he is immediately relaxed in the atmosphere and delivers an astounding 40 minute set.

The After Party is a great place to either kick on after seeing a show or, if you can wade through the dick jokes, a chance to see something special. It’s free, but a couple of dollars in the Children’s Hospital tins at the bar will do no harm.