Forging a career in comedy takes a great deal of bravery.
Exposing yourself on stage in front of hundreds of people night after night comes with an intense vulnerability.
And for one of Norfolk's best loved exports Karl Minns, it comes with its own relentless critic - anxiety. Speaking frankly for the first time about his own mental health struggles, he hopes to lend some of his on-stage courage to others.
MORE: Comedian Karl Minns reveals his fight with anxiety and depression It would be easy to assume the confident, ebullient persona Mr Minns carries through his performances was unflappable.
But as he explains today, when the lights go out his anxiety can be overwhelming.
Thankfully things have improved for Mr Minns in the last 15 years. He has learned to 'befriend' his anxiety, and take control of it. His decision to take off the mask and show his audience the man behind it should be applauded, and heard.
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