Interview with Dax Wiley 19th August 2026

I chatted to award-winning playwright Dax Wiley about her new musical coming to Edinburgh Fringe and then to London in September. More details of the show can be found on the Oil & Whiskey website

The award-winning, off-Broadway, country rock musical, OIL & WHISKEY, makes its international
debut with a 3-week Off West End London run following performances at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe. OIL & WHISKEY will perform at the Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse for a limited run, Thursday
3rd – Saturday 19th September 2026.
‘The Last Five Years’ meets Nashville Honky Tonk; OIL & WHISKEY is a dramedy about two ex-lovers
who meet for a drink and relive their entire relationship over a couple of rounds of whiskey. You’ll
laugh, you’ll cry, and by the end you will remember why: you don’t text your ex. At the forefront of
the recent Americana resurgence in NYC, this toe-stomping musical written in Nashville, TN, will
immerse audiences in an authentic country rock cabaret concert akin to an evening at the Grand Ole
Opry.
OIL & WHISKEY is the debut musical for producer, musician, and songwriter Kit Nolan. The Nashville
based multi-instrumentalist has toured the world performing for millions as the Music Director for
Lindsey Stirling and has played as a session musician for Robbie Williams and One Direction. He has
recently co-produced work for the band, The Franklin Cassettes, that includes Grammy-winning
songwriter, Kellie Besch.
He is joined by award-winning playwright and storyteller, Dax Wiley, who has written and produced
musicals across the U.S.A. such as New York’s first immersive musical, The Limbo Lounge, and Good
Fishermen Know A Lot About Sex, a powerful drama performed on theatre row in Los Angeles about
the dangers of opioid abuse in America.
OIL & WHISKEY is pleased to welcome an all-star cast, including Cornelius Versa playing the role of
Teddy. Cornelius is known for his extensive musical theatre and opera experience and is now
celebrating his debut country album, The Crystal Cowboy, that blends traditional storytelling with his
classical roots, something he calls: Operatic Americana.
Alongside its all-star cast, OIL & WHISKEY is the first musical to partner with local line dancing,
country bands, and Honky Tonks such as Lucinda’s and Desert 5 Spot, in NYC for a special opening
act. Each show will star pre-show talent from NYC, Nashville, or London respectively.
OIL & WHISKEY makes its international premiere with performances at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival
Fringe and a limited Off West End run at the Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse, London for selected
dates, Thursday 3rd – Saturday 19th September 2026.
www.oilandwhiskeymusical.com
“Dax Wiley and Kit Nolan have a real charmer on their hands”
Tony Marinelli, Hi Drama
“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.”
Edward A Kliszus, Opening Night Reviews

Show	Oil & Whiskey
Dates & Times	23-30 August 2026 at 7.45pm (Edinburgh)/ 3-5 & 9-12 & 16-19 September 2026 at 8pm (London)
Venue	The Nightclub at PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Street (Edinburgh) Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse 418 St John St London EC1V 4NJ
Production Company	Alexa Karas | AK INK
Ticket Link	Edinburgh Fringe Old Red Lion Pub, London