Third Party
A couple finds themselves caught in the web of a detective-turned-insurance adjustor, who will do anything to uncover the secrets they've been keeping from Manitoba Public Insurance – and from each other. From the writer and producers of House of Gold (***** – Winnipeg Free Press, 2024)
Hilarious premise, great characters, and talented acting. The twist reveal was sickeningly good and it was funny throughout.
This could almost be true story. A couple dealing with an auto accident, their relationship and the insurance company. But three strong actors and precise comic timing turn this almost true tale into an almost farce.
Funny! Good characters! Recommend
what a FUN romp!!! thomas mcleod in particular shines as the sleazy insurance adjuster. terrific premise and staging!!
I've been to a lot of Fringe plays over the years and this three-person troupe from Winnipeg hits all the marks. Funny. Fast-paced. Smart. Anyone who loves film noir will catch a lot of private detective and femme fatale references. Even her red hair!! The venue is tiny and this run will sell out. Act fast.
Went in with no expectations and left talking about it the whole way home! The references to the city made it feel personal and a new layer of funny. Such a well written script played out by 3 amazing actors! Perfect length of time, great use of the space and truly so funny I could hardly stop giggling.
10/10 must go see this show!!!!
There's talented and then there's Winnipeg talented. A play written with roles that fit the actors like their very own glove. An immersive experience with excellent use of space.
Yes, funny in parts but humour that comes from intimate understanding of the human experience. If you loved Stakeout, you'll love this! Also, excited that I now have a new place to eat!
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get around the accident that wrote off a 2002 Maroon Ford!
Wow!! Had no idea WHAT to expect from a show in a fried chicken shop… I mean, who would?!?
But Third Party just kept serving and left us full and satisfied! This three handed wove what seemed to be a simple recipe into a delightful, spicy twist!! It was so engrossing, my partner even let the female lead in, thinking they might be a patron. Lol
The performers were over-the-top hilarious at moments and desperately convincing at others. Shoutout to Alanna &Dane and a huge blast for playwright and third-hand Thomas!! Such frenetic energy! Such playful delivery!
It’s apparently sold out - but keep an eye out for last minute ticket releases and catch this one if you can!!
Third Party” at Edmonton Fringe is a masterclass of theatre economy: three actors, a quirky insurance fraud plot, and a chicken-and-waffle shop turned stage. It’s tight. It’s clever. It’s staged with a physical savvy that makes the space itself a character. I found myself leaning forward, part of the ensemble before the lights even dimmed. It unfolds with seamless humour, witty dialogue, and a progressive momentum that never slows. Only hitch: it’s sold out—yet again. But if they bring it back, snag a ticket fast. You’ll regret missing this spatial delight.
Short! Tight! Ended exactly after 45 min as promised!! They definitely rehearsed! Great performances all around and some pretty fun and wacky situations and characters. I loved how they used the space (Waffle Bird) and even the sidewalk out front in creative ways. Made it feel like a show that was meant to be in a restaurant, not a theatre. Pretty much guaranteed crowd pleaser for folks who just wanna have a fun time and not think too much. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see (nothing groundbreaking is happening here), but it would make a great gap filler in a Fringe schedule.
This is a really fun show.
There's nothing groundbreaking about this show. They don't try to do incredible setpieces or innovative production. It's just three actors, a couple phones and insurance fraud in a chicken and waffle shop.
And that's OK. They know what works, and they execute it well. It doesn't drag, it keeps moving and I was interested in everything happening. The jokes land well.
If you're looking for a show where you pay $20 and in exchange enjoy yourself for an hour, this show does exactly that.
Just don't sit in the southeast corner of the restaurant like I did. You'll miss quite a bit of the physical comedy in the first half.
Every year there is one show that sticks with me for years to come. This year, this is the show - mostly because of the oh so clever and creative use of the space at Waffle Bird, and they use the entire space. A great story. Good laughs. And great food if you there early enough.
Insurance fraud, secrets from the past, and testing how strong a relationship is. This show was dramatic and intense at times, but also hilarious. It used the venue space so perfectly to add to the story. A great addition to fringe. Getting to watch Waffle Bird was also an added bonus. Yum! Go 30 mins before to get your food and get a good seat near the window.
No Claim Without a Cost in Third Party By Martha Estrada Baca
With its blend of a noir-style story, hilarious banter, and clever dialogue, Third Party offers audiences a sly, tense, and entertaining theatrical ride. The premise is deliciously odd and the twists and turns the story took contributed an additional suspenseful element to the comedic production. The performers utilized a Fast Food joint as their stage and it is incredibly effective at immersing the audience into the show. The dialogue oozes with wit, veering between deadpan humour and concise storytelling. The performances from the actors themselves is superb and the fictional relationships feel authentic because of it. I would recommend this show to anyone, it was very fun to experience and the work put into it should be appreciated!
This is the absolute best Fringe show I have seen so far. An incredible use of an alternative venue, and the show I attended included extra humour in the form of confused Waffle Bird patrons and people on the street trying to figure out what exactly was going on.
This show is a very unique experience with some of the best performances and the tightest, funniest Fringe script you will find this season. I cannot recommend it enough, and get your tickets early as the venue is small and some shows are selling out!!
Third Party ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of the best things about Fringe is seeing how artists adapt to and transform unconventional spaces—and Third Party does this with real intelligence. The show makes smart, intentional use of the venue, and the sharp writing is elevated by how well it fits the environment.
As the story unfolds, the dynamics between the characters come into focus, revealing layered wants, tensions, and unspoken histories. With the audience placed right on stage, the setup is challenging—but the cast manages to keep the fourth wall intact and the world of the play fully alive.
While the acting occasionally falls flat, the show remains engaging and well-crafted throughout. It’s a polished piece with a clear vision—intimate, compelling, and a great example of what Fringe theatre can be.
Third Party note this is in a found space the Waffle Bird so I think your choice of seat will make this show more enjoyable to watch. When picking your seat be aware that the action is primarily near the table by the window through the window and along the counter aisle. And the action outside the window I was there on Friday which was a very cloudy day so there was no sun glare of issues watching the actor through the window. You will be siting at restaurant tables so will be facing other audience members. The actors were clear to hear and had a speaker to overhear the actor outside.
Sensory things to keep in mind: this is a restaurant, so there will be the smell of chicken and fries, and some audience members may be eating.
Note that on the website, it is important for people who want to eat during the show. Waffle Bird food service will be available up to 30 minutes before showtimes
All content warnings were correct on website adult language and cartoonish violence but would have been added. There will be stage blood.
The story was easy to follow, and quite immersive as well. We were on the edges of our seats and, the jokes were witty, they had us laughing from start to finish.
The utilized the entire venue skillfully, there was not a single bad seat. Props to the cast for their hard work.
Very well executed, great use of a unique space, well developed characters, giver all a really good script that was funny while still getting themes and plot across. Really liked the twists! Very well done
Many laugh out loud moments!! The cast had fun chemistry and there was a few twists and turns in the plot.
Fantastic performances, a genuinely incredible script, and a wonderful use of a venue. Easily among my top three shows I've seen in the last 4 years of Fringe. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. This is a crew who should be selling out their run.