You've most likely seen David Quirk on stage and screen in many roles – but the one he's playing now is one he reserves for himself and any person he likes: a Cobra.
David's new show, aptly titled 'Cobra', explores many things: 7Eleven, comedy on cruise ships, funerals, constipation, voice artistry. . . David will explore it all with snake-like precision.
David has featured in shows like 'Rosehaven' and Josh Thomas' 'Please Like Me'. His show 'Astonishing Obscurity' was nominated for Most Outstanding Show at Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2021.
We catch with the comedian ahead of 'Cobra', which he'll be presenting as part of MICF in 2023.
Apart from a type of snake, just what is a ‘Cobra’?
Great question and thanks for asking. A Cobra (sometimes spelled with an Umlaut over the O) is the strong term of endearment I reserve for a person who I think is worthy of such a title. Which is pretty much anyone. I have come to see it also as my own alter ego, maybe, or the David Quirk I want to show the world, so I can be tough, which I am not. A Cobra is my best friend and also the strange stranger on the mean streets. A Cobra is my new show that needs taming.
What inspired you to design a show around this topic?
The thought of when I’m not around anymore, and thinking about the kind of person I used to be, and being young, which I’m really not anymore, though I still ride a skateboard all the time, like a straight up baby cobra. Also everything mentioned in my first answer above, as well as the tattoo on my chest.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Like a cobra in the shade.
Why do you love what you do as a comedian?
I don’t know that I always do love it, but I do love that I can’t stop it.
What advice would you have for a budding stand-up?
DoorDash can help subsidise this tawdry career.
What are you most looking forward to about playing MICF this year?
Doing The Gala, doing a show so good it makes people forget that my last show was so damn good, charming every cobra every night at my show, a couple of three star reviews and the proximity of my apartment to the venue.
David Quirk plays Melb Town Hall - Portico Room (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) 30 March-23 April.
