Returning to Melbourne after a sold out Melbourne Fringe and hot off the heals of its recent Adelaide Fringe season, The Understudy will play The Motley Wherehaus, from 13 – 19 April, as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Written and performed by Eva Seymour (Dear Life, Neighbours, How to Stay Married) and directed by Olivia Charalambous (Skank Sinatra, Pursuing Pleasure), The Understudy brings back its fast-paced, subversive take-down of the industry, promising to spare no one.
Inspired by Seymour’s copious experiences as the person in black, (Understudy for Hour of The Wolf – Malthouse Theatre), YES – The Rabble) and Grace Under Pressure – Alternative Facts), The Understudy traverses jealousy, insecurity, self-righteousness and gratitude for the gig in a laugh out-loud comedy that turns on a dime.
It’s a deceptively moving piece that begs the question: what happens when you follow your dreams, but it doesn’t work out? This is comedy meets horror – a cautionary tale about putting your life on hold for an industry that doesn’t really care about you. The Understudy will do anything for the gig – so much so that she becomes the understudy to her own life…
“I wanted to write a metamodern story about the function of a one-woman show. The Understudy is trying to save her career by telling her story on stage, but the play is also working against her, functioning as the industry at large, correcting her and forcing her to question her choices,” said Seymour.
“This show lets no one off the hook though, including the Understudy herself. This is no woe is me tale – she chooses to stay in her job, despite the deterioration of her relationships. However she also feels she’s forced to, because of the promise and hope of some greater success.”
Charalambous and Seymour bring their fresh wit and candour to this original story about an unexplored aspect of our industry. Drawing from their years of experience in the messy world of Australian theatre, they take sharp aim at the gatekeepers and decision makers that call the shots. You might even recognise some people on the way…
“Seymour… Could do anything as an actress. Cast her as Viola, cast her as Electra.” – The Saturday Paper
The Understudy
The Motley Wherehaus (Vault 5), 432 Queens Street, Melbourne
Season: 13 – 19 April 2026
Information and Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Eva Seymour stars in The Understudy (supplied)