Suzy’s Funny Women Award win was one seriously impressive feat, given that her winning performance was her 7th ever stand-up gig. Her comedic prowess got her a well-deserved spot on Time Out’s Top 10 Comedians to watch out for in 2006. She’s made a bunch of funny appearances on TV ranging from Channel 4’s The Diets That Time Forgot to BBC’S The One Show.
How did it feel to be crowned by Funny Women in 2006?
I genuinely didn't think I would win as I hadn't done many gigs and the other acts were so good. My mum had come to see me and instead of going out celebrating we went home, got in our 'comfies', watched Coronation Street and had a cup of tea!
How has your comedy career changed since winning the award?
It was very handy in climbing up a couple rungs of the ladder and have the title 'Winner Funny Women Awards'. Promoters had confidence in booking me when they hadn't heard of me before. I have done so many gigs through Funny Women that have been a dream for me – working with people like Jo Brand very early on and fronting big events like the Playtex Moonwalk and Race For Life. And meeting Prince Charles at the Royal Armed Forces Day!
What joke or moment set you apart from the other finalists?
Maybe I seemed relaxed as didn't expect to win. I was happy to be there for the experience…and wanted my mum to be proud.
Who is the ultimate funny woman?
I have been a lifelong fan of Victoria Wood and French and Saunders and know most of their old TV shows by heart. If I had to pick one, I would choose Dawn French as we have more in common and I think she is just brilliant and beautiful. I have met her twice and been genuinely star struck!
Out of all the previous Funny Women winners, who is the funniest?
This is a tricky question as all of the funny women winners are hilarious and clever but so different! I saw both Zoe and Andi's Edinburgh shows last year and both were amazing and both are examples of top class comedians, and I had Thankless Child and Miss London and Lara picked out as winners as soon as I saw them in the heats. I do have a soft spot for Lara who is naturally very warm and funny and makes me laugh out loud every time.
What does 2012 hold in store for you?
I’m still waiting to hear whether I shall be hosting the Olympic Opening Ceremony (ahem…) 2012 will hopefully be a busy productive year for me, I am taking part in the Brighton Fringe and hopefully Edinburgh. Apparently it takes about 10 years to be an 'overnight success’ so I have four years to go before I can become a D list celebrity and achieve my ambition of appearing on Dancing On Ice! Wish me luck!
Mary Doyle
