David van Rosmalen

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David was born a good 16 million minutes ago. Ever since, he has had questions and has been looking everywhere for answers. He studies psychology to find the answer to the question: “What is wrong with me?” He also delves into philosophy, where he grapples with life’s bigger questions, such as: “What is money? And how do you earn it after a philosophy degree?”

In his show ‘Als ik jou was’, David takes the audience on a philosophical voyage of discovery through his own life. He looks back on the choices that made him who he is today and asks himself: could I have chosen differently? Because David can do what he wants, but could he also have wanted differently? And does he actually know what he wants?

Questions call for answers, and answers call for words. David searches for the meaning of life in full sentences full of meaningful nonsense. He believes you can’t find answers without words. (In Dutch, at least: take the ‘words’ out of ‘answers’ and all you are left with is “ant”, which is no use to anyone.)

About David David van Rosmalen has a background in psychology and philosophy and spent years working as a behavioural adviser in sustainability transitions. The combination of analytical sharpness and social engagement forms the basis of his work on stage. In his lyrics and music he explores how people think, choose and doubt, often with a blend of humour, reflection and a love of language.

When David decided to take his lyrics and music to the stage, he felt like a fish in ever-warming water: a mix of coming home and a healthy fear of death.

In 2025 David won the student, audience ánd jury prizes at the Leids Cabaret Festival, establishing himself in one fell swoop as a striking new voice in the world of cabaret.

In the press

• De Volkskrant: “David van Rosmalen brought the house down at the Leidse Schouwburg with an intelligent mix of jokes (and wordplay), spoken word, piano songs and Dutch hip-hop.”
• Jury report, Leids Cabaret Festival: “A promising individuality in his haughty sarcasm and virtuoso wordsmithery.”

David was named Comedy Talent of 2026 by de Volkskrant.