Her approach
Personal storytelling and music
Independent funeral celebrant · South East London
Jo Napthine
An experienced storyteller and singer who understands the part music can play in a funeral.
Jo creates thoughtful, personal ceremonies shaped by the life of the person who has died. She brings warmth, imagination and over two decades of experience as a West End performer.
Her background
Over 20 years performing in the West End
Funeral celebrant fee
From £300 for a standard weekday ceremony
Jo's approach
A ceremony that sounds like them
For Jo, creating a funeral begins with listening. She will want to hear the stories, habits, relationships and details that make a person recognisable to those who knew them.
From those conversations, she writes and leads a ceremony that reflects the person who has died and the way you would like to remember them. It can be traditional or unconventional, quiet or celebratory, with room for sadness as well as humour.
Jo can suggest readings and music, help people who want to contribute and work closely with your funeral director to bring everything together.
A particular strength
Music is part of Jo's story
Before becoming a celebrant, Jo spent more than twenty years working as a professional singer and actress in the West End. That experience shapes how she uses words, timing and music in a ceremony.
She can help choose music that matters to the person being remembered, guide communal singing and, if you would like, sing during the funeral herself. Her repertoire can include classical, folk and popular music.
You can talk to Jo about a particular piece and what might be possible. Music is a personal choice, not something that has to be included for its own sake.
Working with Jo
Thoughtful from the first conversation
Jo combines the practical preparation of a ceremony with the confidence to lead it calmly and naturally on the day.
Listening and understanding
Time to share memories, describe the person who has died and explore the kind of ceremony you have in mind.
Writing and music
Jo prepares the ceremony, welcomes your amendments and helps with music, readings and contributions from others.
Leading the ceremony
On the day, Jo brings the different parts together with warmth, clear communication and a reassuring presence.
About Jo
Beyond the ceremony
Jo lives in South East London and works across London and further afield. She trained with the Institute of Professional Celebrants and has spent much of her working life in music and theatre.
She has spoken openly about how her own experiences of bereavement informed her decision to become a celebrant. Alongside her professional work, she has contributed to bereavement-awareness training with Sands.
Jo is also a mother of three and a keen follower of Arsenal and Formula One. Those ordinary details matter: she is interested in people as people, not just in the formal shape of a funeral.
Read Jo's own storyFuneral celebrant fees
Jo's fees
Preparing and leading a standard weekday funeral ceremony
£300
This covers planning, writing and leading a standard weekday ceremony. Longer ceremonies and other bookings are priced separately.
Standard weekday ceremony£300
Extended weekday ceremony£350
Singing-only bookingFrom £300
Weekend, memorial or alternative venueBy quotation
Other arrangements, travel beyond London and additional services are priced individually. Jo can confirm her fee and availability once you have discussed your requirements.
Contact Jo
You're welcome to get in touch directly to ask about availability, discuss the kind of funeral you're planning and see whether Jo feels right for the ceremony.
A few practical questions
Working with Jo
Can Jo sing at the funeral?
Yes. Jo is a professional singer and may be able to perform a piece that is meaningful to you. Discuss your choice with her so she can confirm what is suitable and whether it affects the fee.
Does the ceremony have to be non-religious?
No. Jo can help shape a personal ceremony and discuss including religious or cultural elements where appropriate. If you want a ceremony led by a minister of a particular faith, we can help you explore that too.
Can Jo lead a funeral outside a crematorium?
Yes. She works at crematoria, natural burial grounds and other venues. Longer ceremonies and alternative locations may have different fees.
Do we have to book Jo through Poetic Endings?
No. Jo is an independent celebrant, and you can contact her directly. If we are arranging the funeral, we can work with her on timings and practical details.
Different celebrants bring different strengths to a funeral. We can also help you explore the other independent people we work with.
Explore Our Celebrants