Ottilie Patterson Returns to the Spotlight — And to The Harrison
Belfast’s Blues Queen Lives On…
As a city, Belfast is no stranger to big names and bigger stories. But few shine as brightly, or sing as soulfully, as Ottilie Patterson, the Queen of the Blues. Her voice once filled smoky jazz clubs across Europe, carrying Belfast’s heart and grit to the world stage. At The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, her story takes on a new life in one of our most soulful suites: the Ottilie Patterson Room. Think boutique luxury with a bluesy twist, a place where heritage meets hedonism and where every detail hums with history.
‘She could be volatile’ … Ottilie Patterson. Photograph: ITV/Shutterstock
From Comber to the World Stage
Ottilie’s journey began quietly in Comber before Belfast gave her its rhythm and its fire. By the 1950s, she was fronting the Chris Barber Jazz Band, and before long her voice was shaking the rafters of jazz clubs in London, Paris, and New Orleans. Along the way, she shared stages with legends like Muddy Waters and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, holding her own with a sound that was equal parts elegance and raw power.
She wasn’t just a performer; she was a trailblazer. In an era when few women took centre stage in jazz and blues, Ottilie did it with fearless style and an authenticity that made her unforgettable. She rose to stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best before slipping quietly into relative obscurity, though her influence has never truly left Belfast.
Photo Credit: ChrisBarber.net
Ottilie at the Grand Opera House
Now her story is taking centre stage once more. Rathmore Productions is bringing Ottilie’s extraordinary life back into the spotlight with the international premiere of Ottilie at the Grand Opera House, Belfast.
This new one-woman show stars Jolene O’Hara in the titular role and is written by Richard Clements, directed by Matthew McElhinney. Following the success of their collaboration on How to Bury a Dead Mule (a UK Theatre Award Best New Play nominee) at the Lyric and Edinburgh Fringe, the pair have created a uniquely imaginative and poetic look at the life of the forgotten First Lady of Irish Blues.
The play traces Ottilie’s journey, from a young girl in Comber with a voice beyond her years to an artist who conquered international stages before fading from the public eye. It is a staging as bold and intimate as the woman herself, ensuring that her music and her story find new audiences in her home city and beyond.
Photo Credit: Belfast International Arts Festival
Ottilie and Belfast’s Music Scene Today
It feels only right that Ottilie’s story returns to the stage as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival, the city’s flagship celebration of culture, theatre, and music. Her presence at the Grand Opera House connects Belfast’s past to its present, reminding audiences that the city has always had a rhythm all of its own.
Beyond the theatre, her influence also echoes through the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast’s vibrant hub for music heritage and innovation. Just as Ottilie once broke boundaries in jazz and blues, the centre champions new voices while honouring the legends who paved the way. Together, the festival, the Opera House, and the Oh Yeah Music Centre ensure that the Queen of the Blues remains firmly woven into Belfast’s cultural fabric — not just as a memory, but as an inspiration.
Photo Credit: Belfast International Arts Festival
A Suite with Soul
At The Harrison, you can experience that story in another way. Step into the Ottilie Patterson Room and you will feel echoes of her energy in every detail. The atmosphere is sultry and intimate, a nod to the midnight magic of the jazz scene. Moody hues and vintage accents frame the room, while plush textures invite you to sink in and stay awhile. It is a space that suggests a late-night record spinning in the corner, a glass of whiskey within reach, and the lingering sense that music is never far away.
Much like Ottilie herself, the room is both refined and untamed, equal parts sophistication and spirit.
Photo Credit: The Harrison/ Ottilie Patterson Room
Why Stay Here?
Because this isn’t just a room. It is a story. For music lovers, it is a chance to sleep inside a tribute to one of Belfast’s most iconic voices. For curious travellers, it is a slice of cultural heritage hidden in the city’s most playful boutique hotel. And for romantics, it is an atmosphere that makes every moment feel like an encore.
Picture it: you have just left the Grand Opera House, Ottilie’s story still ringing in your ears. The applause fades, but the music lingers. You step back into The Harrison, unlock the door to the Ottilie Patterson Room, and find yourself surrounded by the very spirit you have just witnessed on stage. The next morning, you wake to soft Belfast light filtering through the curtains, the echo of last night’s blues still humming in your memory. It is not just another stay; it is an encore you will never forget.
So, the next time Belfast calls, follow the blues. Catch Ottilie at the Grand Opera House, then come home to The Harrison, where the Queen of the Blues still sings through the walls of her very own suite.
Photo Credit: The Harrison/Entrance
Looking to uncover more about The Harrison or explore what’s happening in Belfast? From things to do in Belfast to the rich history of our wee country, there’s so much waiting to be discovered. Click here to find out more, and don’t forget to follow us on socials for all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments!
Experience it for yourself by booking your stay at chambersofdistinction.com or calling 028 94 600 123. When you book direct, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary breakfast to start your Belfast adventure the right way.
