I know this review is a long time coming in terms of a review but my excuse is that I had to finish overseeing our run at the Edinburgh Fringe which was then closely followed by quarter finals, semi finals and then the Charity Final of this year’s Funny Women Awards.
So, on the eve of our next Challenge with The Victoria Foundation at Cannizaro House, Wimbledon on the 1st November, BOOK NOW, it’s better late than never to report on how Funny Women teamed up with The3rdimagazine and Good Shepherd healthcare to present the first Funny Women Challenge to be held in Scotland.
Six leading Scottish businesswomen were challenged to perform three minutes of stand up comedy in The Dram Comedy Venue, Glasgow on the evening of 11th August. The event was hosted by the incredibly funny Janey Godley who, as well as contributing regularly to The3rdimagazine, gave of her time to perform.
Each of the five Challengers were supported and coached by the Funny Women team and took part in special workshops held during the Fringe.
The evening raised funds to help trafficked women in India. HIV/AIDS is growing across India and in the state of Karnataka in South India and in particular among ‘Devadasi’. They are young girls from poor Dalit families who are ‘dedicated’ to the goddess Yellamma and then used in the practice of socially and religiously sanctioned prostitution. Not something to joke about for sure, but it gave our Challengers a reason for putting themselves firmly out of their comfort zone.
Karen Birch is Managing Director at the3rdimagazine and had to put her money where her mouth is by taking part. “I’ve made presentations in front of hundreds of people at venues as diverse as the House of Lords and The Glasgow Concert Hall but the idea of stand up comedy took me completely out of my comfort zone. The net result is that I had an absolute ball and started a fan club for my football mad mother!"
Ruth Walker is Managing Director at Turquoise Insight, a consultancy specialising in helping organisations and individuals achieve successful progress and change through strategy development and mentoring. Ruth has a particular interest in the charity sector and in mentoring and coaching younger leaders and has been leading the project to raise awareness of, and much needed funds for, Good Shepherd Healthcare. "I know we were all very nervous but Funny Women put us at our ease and clearly the women we raised money for on the night have a lot more to worry about than we do here in affluent Western society. Thanks everyone for taking part – you were amazing!"
Jackie Cameron owns Cameron Consulting and after a long career as a tax consultant (good comic potential there!) she wanted to “work with other people to make a difference” – which is still her mission. Jackie has coached clients from all types of organisations including business owners, directors, educational leaders, new managers and recent graduates. Talking about her very polished and confident performance Jackie responded: "Would I do it again? You know something….I could probably be persuaded!" We’ll be back at the Fringe again next year Jackie!
Read more about Jackie's Challenge experience HERE.
Michelle Rodger is a former national newspaper journalist, a business founder and communications consultant. She is a keen supporter of young entrepreneurship initiatives across Scotland and writes a weekly column for Scotland on Sunday, focusing on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur and issues affecting SMEs. “I really enjoyed myself and Funny Women has a great way of boosting your confidence. It would be lovely to perform again for another good cause.”
Pam Lyall is Director of Mediation Services at Core Solutions, Scotland’s leading provider of high quality independent mediation and facilitation services in the private and public sectors. Pam is no stranger to presenting but the pressure to add in humour was the main challenge. "Well done each and every one for great performances. You were all a blast – and quite different – which was great. We had a fantastic audience and Janey was an excellent compere. Plus we made a terrific amount to support work with the Dalit women."
Pat Elliott is an inspirational speaker with some comedy credentials behind her, as her performance on the night demonstrated. Pat is also creator, designer and developer of web-enabled bio-medical software for stress compliance in organisations and stress management and prevention for individuals (I’m just stressed writing about this! I need a lie down!) but she also manages to find time to write many articles and books!
So ladies… job done on the comedy front but I won't sign off without throwing down the gauntlet for a rematch next year! Next time at the Fringe maybe?!
Lynne Parker
