Let crazy Clover bowl you over

I'm relieved that this show is going ahead. Andrew Clover, who plays Maurice Clark, had promised to come out to LA - where I'm recording a sitcom with Bette Midler - to visit me, and also to whore around his film script Sex With Strangers (I've heard it's excellent, but it sounds disgusting). I've known Andrew since we were both teenagers. He has a habit of turning up at my house, usually when I least expect it and least want it. I've moved many times, but he always seems to track me down.

Whenever I see him he's always possessed by more wild schemes and absurd characters. For one complete visit he remained in the character of Colonel Graham Bamforth, a military man who left messages round my house that I continued to find months after he'd gone.

From the first, there was something special about Maurice Clark - Andrew's latest incarnation - since the character seemed so complete and multi-faceted. On one level he's like any nutter that you'd see at the bus stop - wearing his slippers, shouting abuse at pigeons. But occasionally he'll say something incredibly clever, or beguilingly sweet and you start to find him strangely attractive, even faintly heroic.

And I love the way the show keeps you guessing. Maurice Clark starts to tell his story - you think, "This is dark, but it's strangely compelling" - then he goes off on wild tangents, telling the audience why he wishes they were much smaller, explaining why there are foxes in towns, and you think "He's a freak!" - but you're roaring with laughter. But then suddenly there's the weird deus ex machina moment, and at that point you realise that the whole show actually hangs together. It's moving, profound and brilliant. I've spoken to several people who saw the Edinburgh show and they always say the same thing. "I think that guy is a genius." I think maybe he is, but I'm still glad he's not going to be in my house.

A Man Of Substance In A World Of Filth, Wed 14-Sat 17 & Wed 21-Sat 24 Mar.