A late-night gala featuring Fringe’s hit comedians, the After Hours Comedy Show promises audiences a jam-packed hour of stand-up. You will laugh, cringe and possibly cry as performers put their material, and the audience, to the test in an exhibition of cutting-edge comedy that you don’t want to miss.

The benefit of getting amongst it at a late show is that the comics come to the stage hot off the back of prior gigs around the festival. Not only do the comics come pre-warmed, but they may also be a little disinhibited. Things are therefore apt to get provocative quickly. So, grab a drink outside at the bar, (where you might leave any pretence of political correctness) and settle in for punchlines that hit with piercing delivery and incisive commentary on any number of topical and social issues. Nothing is off the table for these comics. Expect conspiracy theories, racial tension, and perhaps the country’s most pertinent contemporary question – where exactly is the meth capital of Australia?

As always, Tim Kershaw is a reliable MC and crowd primer. His softly spoken musings give way to a sharp analysis of modern life. Joe White has a charming stage presence that draws the audience in for big laugh moments. EMO killed his set and throws out new material as if it has been long rehearsed. Chris Pucillo’s deadpan misdirection is a sure-fire hit. He will make you laugh before an existential crisis brought on by the discovery of a sense of humour you never thought you had. These are just a handful of comics performing at the After Hours show and will appear again together and with other exciting comics in the future.

All comedians nailed their sets, and are sure to bring a lot of laughter to audiences as the festival kicks on. Be sure to take a mate or a date to this late show. Stand-up that I rate 5 stars.