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This show belongs to the Adelaide Fringe 2026 season. This season is now over.

A woman with brown hair sticks her head from behind a red theatre curtain, appearing excited.
a woman with brown hair sits in front of a plush velvet curtain, whilst she herself is draped in another red curtain. The draped curtain frames her head, and she is wrapping her body up in it. She has a disgruntled expression on her face.
a woman with brown hair sticks her head from behind a large velvet red curtain, with a happy expression on her face. Her head is poking out at a horizontal angle, and her hands hold onto the curtain at either side of her face.
Adelaide Fringe 2026

Eva Seymour as 'The Understudy'

She knows all the lines. She’s memorised every cue. Now she waits for a call to tell her Amy has gastro.

Exploring the anxiety-fuelled existence of  the professional swing, The Understudy dives into the desperation, jealousy, and gratitude for the gig that fuels the perpetual waiting.

But that waiting has consequences... When you put everything on hold, what do you have left? 

After years of experience as the person in the wings, Eva Seymour brings her silly, surreal and sometimes mortifying experiences to a fast-paced laugh out-loud one-woman catastrophe.

"The Understudy is a meticulously constructed, deeply engaging piece that balances humour, heart, and theatrical craft." My Melbourne Arts

Please note: This event has had a title change from 'The Understudy' since the Adelaide Fringe Guide was printed.

Presented by: Eva Seymour

Eva is an award-winning actor and writer working across screen, theatre and music. She began her career as the Graduate Ensemble Member of Red Stitch Actors Theatre, and has worked extensively at theatre companies across Australia and UK. Notable works include 'Truth' (Malthouse Theatre), 'Puffs AU' (TEG Live) and 'Anthem' (Performing Lines and Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Festivals). Eva's screen credits include 'How To Stay Married', 'Neighbours' (Network 10), and 'Dear Life' (Stan). As a writer, her short films 'Superstars' and 'End Pointe' have screened at multiple Academy Award Qualifying Film Festivals across Australia. Her debut solo show 'The Understudy' premiered at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025 to a sold out season, garnering rave reviews from judges and audiences alike.
Theatre and Physical Theatre • Comedy
Victoria • SA Premiere
 
Previous Award Winner
Reviews
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Suitability & warnings

Content rating: M
Drug Use
Loud Noises
Coarse Language: Occasional, Mild

Accessibility

 
High audio content

Presenter

Presented by: Eva Seymour

Eva is an award-winning actor and writer working across screen, theatre and music. She began her career as the Graduate Ensemble Member of Red Stitch Actors Theatre, and has worked extensively at theatre companies across Australia and UK. Notable works include 'Truth' (Malthouse Theatre), 'Puffs AU' (TEG Live) and 'Anthem' (Performing Lines and Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Festivals). Eva's screen credits include 'How To Stay Married', 'Neighbours' (Network 10), and 'Dear Life' (Stan). As a writer, her short films 'Superstars' and 'End Pointe' have screened at multiple Academy Award Qualifying Film Festivals across Australia. Her debut solo show 'The Understudy' premiered at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025 to a sold out season, garnering rave reviews from judges and audiences alike.

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