A country rock musical born in Nashville and sharpened in New York City is heading across the Atlantic this summer. Oil & Whiskey, the award‑winning dramedy from producer and songwriter Kit Nolan and playwright Dax Wiley, will make its international premiere at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe before transferring to London for a limited Off West End run.
The show arrives at PBH’s Free Fringe for a one‑week engagement from Sunday 23 to Sunday 30 August at The Nightclub at The Street, with a 19:45 curtain time.
Described as The Last Five Years meeting a Nashville honky tonk, Oil & Whiskey follows two ex‑lovers who sit down for a drink and end up reliving the highs and heartbreaks of their entire relationship over a couple of rounds. The result is a toe‑stomping, emotionally charged country rock cabaret that leans into the storytelling traditions of Americana. Audiences can expect humour, heartache and a reminder of why texting your ex is rarely a good idea.
Oil & Whiskey first appeared at the 2025 New York City Fringe Festival where it earned the SOLD OUT Award. The show has since been building momentum on both sides of the Atlantic. This year it features in New Musical Theater Nashville’s First Stage Showcase and will tour a series of honky tonk and off‑Broadway venues including the iconic Bitter End in Greenwich Village.
The Edinburgh run marks the musical’s first international outing before it heads to London’s Old Red Lion Pub Theatre for a three‑week Off West End engagement later in the summer.
Early reviews from its US debut have praised both the writing and the score. Hi Drama’s Tony Marinelli called it a real charmer, while Opening Night Reviews highlighted Nolan’s sophisticated understanding of country music’s narrative traditions and Wiley’s ability to balance comedy with emotional depth.
The Edinburgh cast features Juliet Perel as Zelda, Cornelius Versa as Teddy, Tanner McIntyre as Bree and Levi Penley as Ray.
Oil & Whiskey runs from 23 to 30 August 2026 at The Nightclub, Edinburgh at PBH’s Free Fringe at The Street. First review date is Monday 24 August. Tickets (free) and details are available at edfringe.com.
