The award-winning country rock musical Oil & Whiskey will make its international debut this year, arriving in the UK following a sold-out run at the 2025 NYC Fringe Festival.
Written by Kit Nolan and Dax Wiley, the off-Broadway musical will play the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before transferring to London’s Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse for a limited Off West End engagement from 3 to 19 September 2026.
Described as “The Last Five Years meets Nashville Honky Tonk”, Oil & Whiskey follows two former lovers who reunite for a drink and find themselves reliving the highs and lows of their entire relationship over a few rounds of whiskey.
Blending comedy, heartbreak and live country music, the musical promises an immersive country rock cabaret experience inspired by the atmosphere of the Grand Ole Opry.
The production marks the debut musical from Nashville-based producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kit Nolan. As Music Director for violinist Lindsey Stirling, Nolan has toured internationally and performed for millions, while also working as a session musician with artists including Robbie Williams and One Direction.
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Nolan has teamed up with award-winning playwright Dax Wiley, whose previous credits include The Limbo Lounge, New York’s first immersive musical, and Good Fishermen Know A Lot About Sex.
The cast includes Cornelius Versa as Teddy. Known for his work across musical theatre and opera, Versa recently released his debut country album, The Crystal Cowboy, which he describes as “Operatic Americana”.
Joining him are Juliet Perel as Zelda, Sarah Giulianti as Bree, and KJ Nugin and Levi Penley sharing the role of Ray across the run.
Producer Alexa Karas will bring the production to the UK following its success in New York. The show will also continue its commitment to showcasing local talent, with pre-show performances from country musicians, line dancers and Honky Tonk artists in each city.
Early reviews for the musical have praised both its score and storytelling. Tony Marinelli of Hi Drama said, “Dax Wiley and Kit Nolan have a real charmer on their hands”.
Edward A Kliszus of Opening Night Reviews wrote: “Nolan’s score demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of country music’s narrative traditions, evoking everything from honky-tonk heartbreak to bluegrass jubilation…Wiley’s book, while maintaining comic velocity, never condescends to its character’ struggles.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
