MOST people will remember him as Sergeant Larvelle ‘Motor Mouth’ Jones in the hit Police Academy films, complete with his human beatbox, gunfire and helicopter impressions. Now Michael Winslow is entertaining audiences up and down the country with his selection of ‘vocal gymnastics’, including a guitar solo imitation and a special treat for Star Wars fans.

Described as a ‘smorgasboard of staggering special effects,’ the show has proved popular at British venues so far, and although audiences are different to the ones Michael is used to in the US he says they are just as enthusiastic.

“A lot of people want to come over to here [to perform],” he says.

“The audiences have been great so far. People are making noises of their own, which is fantastic. People of all ages too.

“I used to have to do it for them but now they are making them.”

Michael’s act is not just about standing in front of a room full of people and making entertaining sounds. He only does effects that are what he describes as ‘useful’ and believes are worth recording. He carries out extensive research first to see what will go down well with his audience.

He said: “That’s a big problem, knowing what you should put in your show. You go to the country and listen for a while, figure out what’s going on.”

His imitations of Led Zeppelin – which have proved a hit with audiences worldwide and on the internet – and Louis Armstrong are among favourites here, he says.

Born in 1958 on Fairchild Air Force base in Washington state, Michael would imitate the aeroplane noises and jet engines from a young age. He first found out about his special vocal chords when he impersonated a dog – and the animal jumped up and bit him on the backside.

“When you get that kind of reaction you know the sounds must have meant something,” he laughs.

Michael was soon on stage at Tulagi’s, in Boulder, Colorado, where Jimmy Hendrix and The Doors have played. Hearing that a group of Hendrix fans was present, he decided to portray him and, from the applause that followed, Michael knew his calling.

Then while living homeless in Venice Beach, California, Michael auditioned for the Gong Show and soon moved in to LA to perform in the local comedy clubs.

It was here he was discovered by Bud Friedman, founder of the renowned New York Improvisation Comedy Club and who, in the past, has launched the careers of the likes of Bette Midler, Andy Kaufman and Jay Leno.

Friedman featured Michael in the famous Evening at the Improv, and in 1984 producers Hugh Wilson and Paul Manslanski witnessed his talent and immediately wrote him into the script of the Police Academy films.

He has featured in the following seven and has signed up for the eighth, which goes into production in September.

Michael says he is looking forward to the film’s return.

“It’s been a while,” he said, “But we’re still in people’s living rooms. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Filming will offer Michael a well-earned break from all the touring.

“I don’t like the wear and tear,” he said.

“It’s not even a young man’s game any more!”

As well as his presence on stage and in front of the camera, Michael has his own website and smartphone apps which include a variety of sounds.

But behind it all is his simple and yet staggering ability to create the most impressive sounds.

The star says the inspiration behind his talent was his desire to stand out from the crowd. “I didn’t want to be everybody else in the industry, I refused to do that.

“I said I will just pick my own thing.”

l The Man of 10,000 Voices is at the Beck at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 27. Tickets £16.