As a child I was always interested in puppetry. But it wasn't until 1986 on the set of the macabre masterpiece Gothic that my own talents in this area came to light. It was the last night of filming and Ken Russell, the director (and my friend), was looking tired and bored and about to go to bed. I had to think fast...

You’ll need:
An old sock
Some coloured felt

1. Put the sock over your hand.

2. With scissors, cut two small circles out of the felt to make eyes. It doesn't matter if they're not perfect - there isn't time.

3. With your saliva, stick the eyes onto the sock.

4. Forming a mouth shape with your fingers and thumb, make the sock 'talk' to your subject (in my case, the inspirational director Ken Russell) in a silly voice.

5. Think entertaining.

6. Start by making your puppet 'introduce' itself to your subject (for example, 'Harro Ken, my name is Mister Punch' - but you may wish to try a variation of your own). Keep smiling. Don't worry if the eyes fall off - you can always pretend it's part of the act.

7. Think lively.

8. Soon your subject (for example, Ken Russell) will be wide awake, with a look of sheer wonder on his face.

9. Finish your show off with a bow. The puppet - not you!

Next time hopefully: Julian Sands-wiches. Wizard!