Dawn jokes her way to victory as business bosses turn to stand-up

But she now has another string to her bow – after being declared the funniest business person in the Black Country.

Following months of secret rehearsals, Dawn and four other daring business leaders bravely took to the stage at Molineux to perform their first ever stand-up comedy performance.

Bodykraft director Dawn Owen took part in a Stand Up Challenge. She was joined by contestants from across business in the Black Country – Andy Cox of Stourbridge-based Cox & Plant, racecourse executive Jan Denning, Kevin Rogers of Wolverhampton-based Paycare and business entrepreneur Malcolm Wright.

The Stand Up Challenge, sponsored by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and the Black Country Business Festival, is part of Funny Things – a new festival celebrating Black Country humour.

Following a fun night of comedy, a capacity audience of more than 150 colleagues, clients, friends, family and comedy fans witnessed host comedian Jared Christmas crown Dawn the winner.

She said: “I am totally blown away by the whole experience which has been absolutely amazing, right from initially agreeing, or being coerced, to take part, practicing my routine relentlessly to the cat, through to the second I walked off stage.

“I now have a bizarre mix of emotions swaying from wanting do it all over again right now, crossed with a strange longing to go and hide away in a very dark room. Seriously, though, I feel a real sense of achievement – it has been one of the wackiest yet most gratifying experiences of my life, and in the process, between us we have managed to raise thousands of pounds for a good cause and made some great friends in the process too.”

All proceeds from the Stand Up Challenge go towards local community interest company Creative Black Country which works with local people to develop a programme of arts activity in the Black Country.

Sajida Carr, programme director from Creative Black Country, said: “It was such a fantastic evening. All the contestants were absolutely fabulous. We could be forgiven for thinking that they were professional comedians.

“This has been a great new initiative for the Black Country and one which will go down as one of the most innovative and entertaining. Creative Black Country is very excited to be involved in such interesting projects which make the most of the Black Country through arts and culture.”

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, added: “I am extremely proud that the Black Country Chamber continues to be at the forefront of such a successful and enjoyable event. The Black Country has a strong history in comedy and the Stand Up Challenge upholds this tradition, whilst raising money for Creative Black Country to further support arts, creative and culture.

“Black Country people have a brilliant sense of humour and that is part of what makes this area such a great place to live, work and do business. Every single one of the contestants did a fantastic job….it very nearly made me want to give the next Stand Up Challenge a go myself!”

Contestants are now being sought for the 2018 Stand Up Challenge and anyone wishing to take part, should email hello@associate-events.com

For more information and to see the footage of the live performances, visit: www.standupchallenge.co.uk/wolverhampton

• Watch Dawn's performance here: