Little Lark of London

“The Faire’s magic continues!”

Just because the Renaissance Faire has closed for the day, it doesn’t mean that the night is over. Every Saturday night, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire hosts its After Hours Shows, during which one of its performers gives visitors a performance that tends to be more on the adults-only side of entertainment. On the first Saturday of the Faire, 23 May, the After Hours Show starred Jacques ze Whipper, a viral sensation who, as one might guess from the stage name, is known for his whip tricks. 

The Afters Hours Show requires a separate ticket purchase, with the option to buy a seated or standing-room ticket. Unfortunately, the organization at the event itself wasn’t great – though this may have been because of the weather and/or the fact that it was the first of the season. Those who had spent the day at the Faire were told to wait in one section, but were then moved to the space where the performance was going to happen, where others had already been able to take their seats. The staff members were friendly, but they did not check whether people had tickets to sit on the benches or to stand, leading to some confusion. 

But, once the show actually begins, the difficulties are the start are quickly forgotten, with Jacques ze Whipper taking the stage. Taking after his father, Jacques had his first onstage performance at the age of six, starting to crack whips the next year once he turned seven, and his decades of experience are clear from his stage presence. The show he’s prepared for the After Hours Show is one he typically performs in comedy clubs, and he shows off the tiny whips he has to use when he’s indoors – as one might guess, they’re not exactly effective outdoors, especially in the rain!

The show is a scripted journey about everything that has led to the creation of the character of Jacques ze Whipper, from getting the police called on his first solo performance in Massachusetts to creating TikToks with his wife and gaining viral fame. The performer admits that he hasn’t done this particular show in a while and warns that there will be a few slip-ups – almost immediately, he accidentally makes a “6-7” reference, getting cheers of approval from the younger crowd as he curses to himself. 

As many have seen in his social media videos, Jacques ze Whipper has several bits of audience interaction, including a segment in which people are able to suggest songs for him to whip along to, coming up with whip-related lyrics. There is even a fun moment where an audience member learns how to crack a whip!

Ultimately, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire After Hours Shows are a fun way to keep the festivities going once the sun has gone down.  Jacques ze Whipper gave a fantastic performance, mixing storytelling and tricks with ease in a great show. If one is a fan of the performer that Saturday, it’s definitely worth the extra ticket, but it might not be worth it just for the hour-long show if one isn’t going to the Faire itself.

For more information and to purchase tickets for future New Jersey Renaissance Faire After Hours Shows, click here. For more information on Jacques ze Whipper, click here.