Michelle De Swarte's The Afters: A Blazing Standup Show Review
Model, actor, journalist, and comedian Michelle De Swarte proves she is a master of the standup trade in her touring show, The Afters. Performed at the Brighton Corn Exchange, this set delivers a hilarious and unfiltered experience from start to finish. De Swarte's fantastically confident and cavalier voice shines as she tackles topics like menopause, parenting, and her unconventional upbringing with blazing gags and sharp observations.
Confident Comedy from the Start
From the very beginning, De Swarte establishes a strong connection with the audience. What might seem like typical crowd work quickly transforms into a clever set piece about cultural appropriation and Norfolk seafarers, showcasing her ability to turn everyday interactions into comedic gold. She follows this with a memorable routine about a "poor-off" contest with a Bradford citizen, which avoids class clichés and instead offers a salty, truthful take that resonates with laughter.
Her menopause material stands out by adopting a pose of stroppy denial, adding a unique twist to a common comedy subject. De Swarte's approach is refreshingly free from pieties, yet she avoids mere posturing, instead presenting a say-what-she-sees manner that feels wholly unaffected. She arches eyebrows at modern trends, such as period-tracking apps and claims of emotional safety in relationships, delivering these insights with a witty and engaging style.
Roots in Unconventional Upbringing
The show delves into De Swarte's background, introducing her forebears as poor, queer, and ruthlessly unsentimental characters. These stories populate the later stages of The Afters, providing rough-hewn comic effect and making her personality wholly explicable. This context enriches her resistance to touchy-feeliness, grounding her comedy in a vivid personal history that audiences can connect with.
Striking Final Section and Future Potential
One of the most striking parts of the show is the final section, where De Swarte recalls attitudes toward teenage girls dating older men and itemises her encounters with figures like Jeffrey Epstein and P Diddy. While this segment leaves viewers wanting more, it hints at potential for a deeper exploration in future projects, perhaps as a whole show or a book. The Afters successfully whets the appetite for more from this cheerfully incautious comic voice.
Overall, Michelle De Swarte's The Afters is a blast of confident comedy that may not tread novel ground but is distinguished by its fearless delivery and engaging storytelling. Touring until 30 May, it offers a must-see experience for fans of standup looking for laughs and authenticity.
