Review – Michael Winslow: Police Academy Sound FX Show

Michael Winslow is best known for his acting role as Larvelle Jones in the Police Academy movies, showcasing his astounding sound effects skills. Through the years he has also been a host, motivational speaker, a stand up comedian and an iPhone app designer! Google ‘World’s Noiziest App’.

With all this experience in the mix, the Comedy Festival audience was quietly confident of a good time. The Master of Ceremonies at Yarraville Laughs proclaimed that “no one has come close to Michael” in terms of sound skills, and analogised him as the Usain Bolt of noise imitation.

Michael came out onto the stage in a friendly and charming manner. His initial composure left us unprepared for the onslaught of hilarious scenes he would run by us. After each set of absurd Winslow-made moments, we would vouch that he couldn’t keep up the pace and wit, yet he did.

He further endeared himself to us by including Australian and Melbourne proper phenomena in the show. He handed the Aussie tones with care and creativity to send us up in new and original ways. Of particular note was his mastery of some of our vernacular phrases and his China Town skit. He had clearly done his comic homework and it was paying off.

He also went interactive with the crowd. He shot out sounds to match our movements, which delighted the many and mildly discomforted the shier spectators. While the audience was catching their last breath from a hilarious set up, he amplified the laughs, going for more and more absurd situational comedy. The value of the show was never under question.

Much of the show’s success lies in its creativity, and to fully appreciate it you should carry with you a particular fondness for ‘90s popular culture and beatboxing. The original narratives and mash ups of ideas with ripping sound effects are a must see. Of particular note are Michael’s quirky imaginative streaks in some ‘what if’ scenes he pairs with video footage. Without spoiling it, he puts some unlikely characters together such as Snoop Dog, Lassie and Mary Poppins in sidesplitting situations, you get the idea.

There are many times when you are watching in disbelief, questioning if he really made a certain sound. After the show, you may try and make a selected noise yourself, but it isn’t the same. It’s then that you know you’ve seen something special. In short, you’ve got to hear it to believe it!