Applause was released as part of the iconic Barely Legal set that includes Grannies, Trolleys, Morons, Festival and Trolleys. The huge size of Applause, some 80 x 112cm makes Applause the largest sized Banksy print.

The work depicts a fighter jet on the runway of an aircraft carrier and is based on a well-known image of former US President George W. Bush delivering the mission accomplished speech following the "successful" Iraqi invasion. Flanking the jet are two air traffic controllers clad in bright yellow, high-vis jackets and preparing the fighter jet for take-off. One of the controllers is holding a sign on which is written the word APPLAUSE in capital letters, like those employed in comedy theatres to ask the audience to cheer on cue.