SPANK!

Underbelly, 56 Cowgate, midnight to 4am

Nakedness is not compulsory at Spank!, but it has become a bit of a tradition. When the hosts offered Fringe acts the chance to plug their own shows if they got naked, they sparked a new wave of wanton exhibitionism. "We really didn't think people would be that keen to strip off - but everybody wants to do it," said an Underbelly insider. "We've had lots of comics getting their kit off, a naked choir and even an enema performed live on stage - although that might have been taking things a bit too far." Spank! goes on till 4am, ends with a drunken disco with a changing bill of established acts and new faces.

 CLUB VAGUE

The Jam House, 5 Queen Street, midnight to 5am.

The crew who created the Lost Vagueness field at Glastonbury are coming to Edinburgh for the first time to stage a late-night club at the Jam House in Queen Street. Club Vague will feature trapeze acts, casino fun, burlesque artists and DJs.

 CC BLOOMS

2-24 Greenside Place, 0131-556 9331, 9pm-5am

Named after the Bette Midler character in Beaches, who was always looking for an adult experience to be as happy as her childhood, this gay club opens till 5am in the Festival. Always packed, always high-energy, the club is a big favourite with the Lady Boys of Bangkok. Regulars say it won't be the same this year without Topping and Butch, who are giving the Festival a miss.

 CLUB NOIR

Calton Studios, Calton Rd, 18 August, 9pm-4am

Knife-throwing, striptease, tattooed ladies and the world's most pierced woman have all made an entrance at Scottish burlesque club Club Noir. If you can't cadge a ticket to the List magazines's Club Noir festival launch party, you can catch Club Noir at the Calton Studios.

 PHAT CAVE

Gilded Balloon, Bristo Square

"What happens in the cave stays in the cave," is the motto of the Gilded Balloon's late-night comedy dance club. Deep in the bowels of the building and open till 4am, the night is hosted by Australian comic Mickey D and has a reputation as a place where Fringe tearaways run wild.

Comments

 

Last year Andrew Maxwell did a Full Mooners show in the Caves which was utterly hilarous and went on till 4 or 6 in the morning. Included were naked comedians performances and some of the best comedians in the festival doing mini shows for alcohol

CHarlotte G, Edinburgh

Bar 36 or 38 in George Street, Edinburgh, so good that I can't remember the right number of it. Any help Charlotte?