On behalf of us all at Funny Women I would like to express how saddened we are by the death of Sunna Jarman who has died aged 40.
I first met Sunna in 2008 when she took part in the Funny Women Awards along with some other very talented newcomers including Luisa Omeilan and Lucy Frederick. She went on to reach the semi-finals in 2010 alongside Rachel Parris, Jess Fostekew and Helen Arney. Glamorous, unfailingly cheerful, kind and generous, Sunna lit up any room she entered even without getting on stage.
She went on to perform with us, a perfect host for our regular nights in London and Brighton, and as one of the Mixt Nutz sketch group, a great platform for her acting and improvisational skills. Sunna was also an Amused Moose Hot Starlet and part of the Amused Moose Gangshow in Edinburgh 2011. Her comedy circuit credits included The Stand, Komedia, Bearcat, Banana Cabaret, Just the Tonic and Headliners.
Sunna performed her first ever solo show, ‘Family Tree’, at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, where she discussed the class system, describing her life as a self-confessed 'posh girl' who married a Northerner. She also appeared in the AAA comedy show this year, alongside Larry Dean and James Bran. A testament to her determination and hard work since so few people knew that she was ill.
As well as her comedy work, Sunna had previously worked as a photographic model, appearing in advertisements, on magazines front covers and even as a body double for Sharon Stone in the film poster for ‘The Muse’.
In an interview earlier this year, Sunna said she "fell into" comedy via acting and modelling, but was "bitten by the stand-up bug" after an appearance in Edinburgh.
Sunna’s agent, Delphine Manley of Beyond Compere, paid tribute on comedy website Chortle, saying: "One of the circuit’s most loved comedians Sunna was expert at playing the room, fearlessly challenging the most reluctant punter and winning the laughs whatever the crowd.
"Always smiling and laughing, Sunna was adored by everyone who came into contact with her. Her tributes reflect the way she effortlessly brought joy to any gig and the overwhelming sense of love she shared for everyone."
Sunna died after a secret battle with cancer at the weekend. She was married and a mother of two sons. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.
Lynne Parker, Founder of Funny Women.
