wE are Rae, also known as Raeandwill, a duo of clowns who excel in Mime. Asking them to list 10 intriguing things they’ve seen online could be deemed a hate crime. However, the endless feeds of others promoting clown acts show us that we must uphold our online personas, risking potential bookings or getting “smoked.” If there’s one thing the world craves, it’s a clown show. (Seriously.) So here we are.

The Internet is often seen as a demonic void, slowly erasing humanity from consciousness.

While these views may seem disparate, they express how we cope with our lives trapped in an endless cycle of self-consuming AI-generated content. Some of us attempt to disengage, while others leap head-first into chaos, but ultimately, we are all scrolling through this confusion together. The Internet has become our third collaborator. Before any concept transforms into a multi-award-winning show (yes, we have to boast), we immerse ourselves for months, gathering relevant images, videos, and various clips that resonate with our project’s essence.

Here are 10 intriguing things that touch our funny bones.

Intention

1. Flutterbye Fairy Toy Flies into Fire

This is one of my all-time favorites. The juxtaposition of childhood innocence with the most dramatic classical music is perfect as Flutterby’s fairy faces an unspeakable fate. Rest in peace.

2. Lano and Woodley – Fly

With a rich history of comedy duos, Lano and Woodley are among my favorites. Their meticulous attention to detail, even in the silliest of moments, is thrilling, especially when Woodley interacts with the flies that symbolize their Oscars. I’ve nerded out over their craft for hours, and while I won’t bore you with the details, I owe them a debt of gratitude. It’s certainly not a quick 10-second reel; it’s something memorable.

3. Julio Torres’ Hand Acting

When someone shows me new media from a notable figure, I call it a masterclass in hand acting on Instagram in 2020. It features a “classic scenario”: “Deliver it… to me… a girl!”, “I’ll provide her with a potion, but remind her that every price has a cost”, and of course, “Essential scenarios for advanced hand acting. Handrail, ascending and descending..”

This is a must-watch for aspiring young actors wishing to embody the essence of a silent clown in the future. There are several posts with at least three lessons there. Enjoy scrolling!

4. Jennifer Lopez’s Last Five Years, Particularly Her Inauguration Performance

On the last day of President Trump’s first term, during Covid, a faint glimmer of hope came through when Jennifer Lopez performed at Joe Biden’s inauguration. Her self-funded film me…now: Love Story and its accompanying documentary (both are wonderful dual features) deserve a place here. This performance amalgamated “America the Beautiful” and “This Land Is Your Land” with a 1999 party anthem, and her choice to do so resonates deeply.

The intent to elevate this song from mere entertainment to political significance was stunning and poignant. Coupled with her performance, it evokes laughter and tears alike. It’s a moment I’ll discuss for years and likely write extensively about.

5. Pet Performers Rewarded for Acting Like Animals

“We might not get applause as we’re performing for an audience that cannot clap.” Animal performance is an honorable and vital art form, and I challenge anyone to disagree.

Ray

1. I Will Always Love You

Oh my goodness. If this isn’t the most monumental thing reflecting my childhood self, I don’t know what is. Ambition, frustration—it cannot be contained. As a recognized “bad” singer, I relate deeply. Bravo to this girl, wherever she is now. Thank you for your service, Queen.

2. Trisha Paytas’ Complete Works

Trisha Paytas was likely the first person who made me genuinely laugh online. It was hard to select just one clip, but this one stands out in my memory. Fifteen years later, she continues to produce some incredible and rich content. Her confident fantasy is built on a wealth of talent, and she continues to elevate it even further. Can we see her on Broadway already?

3. Mobile Game Project Makeover Advertisement

These ads might not resonate with everyone, but as an avid online user, I can’t tear my eyes away. They pop up multiple times a day, each time making me want to help her. She is drenched in mud; she needs a shower, not just a rinse! Her predicament epitomizes the essence of a clown. I still haven’t downloaded the game, yet I feel responsible for her happiness each time. Let’s help her out!

4. Dianne Laurance’s @dumpedwifesrevenge Instagram Page

Dianne Laurance faced abandonment by her husband after 26 years of marriage… for a younger man. How does she seek revenge? “By showcasing her appeal and flair,” naturally, all while documenting it on Instagram. I have a soft spot for outrageous women who need that starlight to shine. And her laughter slays me every single time.

5. Kermit Revealed as a Snail on The Masked Singer

I can envision The Masked Singer existing in a Hunger Games-style universe. All the clips seem like a glimpse into the Capitol from District 12. This particular reveal is my favorite. The performance is entertaining—the way they emerge, the audience’s reaction to the puppet. Picture Kermit’s puppeteer confined in a giant snail costume. While I don’t usually follow masked singers, if all contestants were Muppets… I might become a fan.

• Rae Colquhoun-Fairweather and Will Bartolo, aka Raeandwill, are a performance duo based in Sydney. See Will Where to Hide the Stars. Watch Raeandwill perform their acclaimed shows at the Pier in Sydney from October 1st to 11th and at the Melbourne Fringe at the Meat Market from October 14th to 18th.