Stand-up comedian Tom Veryzer says he has an ‘identical twin’ who lives in a chocolate mushroom in The Enchanted Forest, and is doing a Fringe comedy for families. Details at twigthepixie.com

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

Without a shadow of a doubt, Komedia in North Laine, Brighton. I worked at the venue behind the bar for many years and also upstairs at The Duke’s @Komedia. The staff put their heart and soul into the place and it shows. I still perform there from time to time doing stand up comedy.

What do you love most about Sussex?

The South Downs and easy access to the sea.

Advice for your 12-year-old self?

I would step out of my time-machine, sit down with him and tell him that soon he’s going to get a lot of pressure put on him to get good grades at school, college and university, but not to feel that pressure and instead be strong enough to do what he wants to do, study what he wants to study, explore what he want to explore and be brave enough to question everything.

What is your most valued possession?

My diaries. I keep a kind of journal and write down an account of each day, thoughts, moments, everything. On January 1 each year I read back the year. It puts things in perspective. I remember so much I would have otherwise forgotten.

What is your biggest regret?

I saw a great quote the other day: “I do not believe in taking the right decision. I take a decision and make it right.”

What is your biggest fear?

Having my eyeballs sucked out by a demon in Hell would be pretty bad.

What is your proudest achievement?

As a student from Sussex University I travelled to Kent to protest against the opening of the first coal-fired power station since the Industrial Revolution. Burning coal releases a large amount of CO2, so I was there to object to what would have been a big step backward in tackling climate change. It was the most tangibly empowering thing I’ve ever done and I met the most incredible people. I’ll never forget what it felt like to live in a little bubble of true democracy for a few days.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Kurt Vonnegut, Lao Tzu, Miriam Margolyes, Caroline Lucas and Prince for Brinjal’s Indian Takeaway.