Key Points
- David Correos, a Filipino-New Zealander athlete transitioned from weightlifting to stand-up comedy.
- Known for his unpredictable, high-energy performances, Correos pushes comedy to its limits with a mix of physical humour, absurdity, and theatrical chaos.
- David reflects on the importance of embracing uniqueness and taking risks in comedy.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
From barbells to punchlines: A Filipino Kiwi’s comedy journey hits Australia’s comedy festivals
SBS Filipino
24:58
Born in Christchurch to Filipino parents who migrated in the 1980s, David Correos initially pursued weightlifting, competing internationally and winning his weight division at the 2012 Junior Oceania Championships. However, a severe ankle injury ended his sporting career, leading him to explore his other passion—stand-up comedy.
I think sports really set me up with the right mindset for comedy. There's a great intersection between athletics and creativity, and I truly value the work ethic that weightlifting instilled in me because it taught me discipline and resilience.David Correos, Comedian
David’s comedic path began after he became involved in Monday Night Magic, a variety show created after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. This was where he found his comedic voice, blending his Filipino roots and theatrical influences into performances that are absurd, energetic, and uniquely his own.
"I have a great love for performance art, which is different from performing arts. Performance art is about the process of creating the work; it's not always the end product that is considered art, but the journey leading up to it," David shares.
Now, David is set to bring his Noise Zealand show to Australia, with performances in Adelaide (March 18-22), Melbourne (March 27-April 20), Perth (May 1-2), and Sydney (May 7-11).
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