Michael Winslow opens his show describing himself as a man who makes noises, and how this has apparently led to him being banned from a variety of public places. He makes a local reference, creating a scene of an Italian restauarant - complete with sounds and impersonations from (US 1972 film) The Godfather - initially located in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, which transfers under threat to Fife (Scotland,UK).

Annoyed by the careless trolley handling of a (budget European airline) Ryanair flight attendant, he replicates the sound of her call button - irritating her with a stream of non-existent calls from passengers. He targets crackheads in (European supermarket chain) Tesco by providing an Arctic soundscape in the freezer section and a tropical jungle in the fruit and vegetable aisle. There is a sense of playfulness throughout the show. He adds to the sound of the footsteps of anyone heading for the toilet during the show, making their way up or down the raked seating; and provides his own take on the noises which will occur in the cubicle.

His range is extraordinary and accurate, with a complete scuba dive included as he offers a lobster dinner. Delivery and affability also shine; the noises are highlighted by detailed facial expressions - including rolling his eyes right into his head before he presents a touch of Steve Wonder music. Effects crescendo with a Led Zeppelin guitar riff; a Star Wars tribute including sounds from the spacecraft, androids and characters performed under a screened section of the film; a re-enactment of Woodstock with Jimi Hendrix making an appearance.

Michael Winslow is indeed a man who makes noises, and while they perhaps appear more than voices, his finale is an uncanny Louis Armstrong singing What A Wonderful World. He may claim that his skills have got him into trouble, but it's hard to imagine that anyone who has been subjected to his mischief wouldn't have been delighted - and awestruck.

Cast Credits: Michael Winslow - performer.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Underbelly Productions & Get Comedy.

END

(c) Chandrika Chevli 2011

reviewed Saturday 6 August / Underbelly, Edinburgh, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com