Dad getting applause at last after party trick (5)
I believe the answer is:
dodge
'trick' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'dad getting applause at last after party' is the wordplay.
'at last' suggests the final letters.
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'party' becomes 'do' (do can informally mean a party).
The final letters of 'dad getting applause' are 'dge'.
'dge' after 'do' is 'DODGE'.
(Other definitions for dodge that I've seen before include "Avoid by quick movement" , "Take evasive action" , "Ploy" , "Avoid by sudden move" , "Wild West city" .)