21 March – 19 April

The godmother of British blues began life in a terrace in Norther Ireland, a little girl who felt like an outsider. When the blues music drifted across from the American GIs up the road, Ottilie became obsessed: she’d found her tribe.

From teaching herself songs from sheet music and gigging in Belfast, she went on to play the Royal Festival Hall and tour the UK and USA with the Chris Barber Band, accompanying greats like Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson.

Dubbed “the greatest singer to emerge this side of the Atlantic”, Ottilie was an immense presence and talent in the ‘60s music scene. So why haven’t you heard of her? What happened to this iconic voice?

Immerse yourself in the music and atmosphere of the post-war jazz scene and discover the legacy of this forgotten talent. Performed by Jolene O’Hara, Ottilie is at turns funny, at others poignant – but always intriguing.

Ottilie will be performed by Jolene O’Hara (Wiper at Work, Dear Ireland and The Abbey Theatre, Dublin, Ottilie at Grand Opera House Belfast 2025, Good Vibrations at the Irish Arts Centre, New York & Lyric Theatre, Belfast). She is a main vocalist for Lush! Classical at The SSE Arena & Belsonic Belfast with The Ulster Orchestra and one half of singing duo ‘O’Hara’ with her sister Philippa. They have performed all over Ireland and the UK including The Player’s Dinner at The 153rd Golf Open in Portrush and have amassed over 10 million views on YouTube. Jolene also provides vocals on Van Morrison’s Remembering Now, Orangefield Live and Moving On Skiffle albums and is part of the band line-up for his live shows.

Written by Richard Clements, this Built by Barn production, in association with Rathmore Productions, will be directed by Matthew McElhinney who returns to the Barn Theatre after directing Stones In His Pockets in 2024.

Barn Theatre, Barn Theatre, 3 Beeches Rd, Cirencester, GL7 1BN