Mackenzie Crook Unveils 'Small Prophets', A New BBC Comedy Blending Magic and Mundanity

The BBC is set to bolster its UK comedy offerings with the commission of 'Small Prophets' (w/t), a new six-part series created, written, and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook. The show promises a unique blend of the magical and the mundane, set against the backdrop of suburban Manchester.

Key Takeaways

• Mackenzie Crook is behind a new BBC comedy, 'Small Prophets'.

• The series stars Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep, who seeks magical help to find his missing partner.

• Sir Michael Palin and Sophie Willan are also part of the ensemble cast.

• The show incorporates visually stunning animation.

• It's part of the BBC's wider commitment to distinctive UK comedy.

A Tale of Homunculi and Hope

'Small Prophets' centres on Michael Sleep, portrayed by Pearce Quigley, a man whose ordinary life has been overshadowed by the disappearance of his partner, Clea, seven years prior. His routine of Shreddies, DIY store work, and visits to his father, Brian (played by Sir Michael Palin), is disrupted when Brian shares an ancient recipe. This recipe, involving a peculiar mix of ingredients and alchemy, is intended to create Homunculi – magical spirits capable of predicting the future.

Michael, driven by the desperate hope of finding out if he will ever see Clea again, embarks on this unusual quest with a healthy dose of scepticism. His efforts are aided by a younger colleague, Kacey (Lauren Patel), with whom he forms an unlikely friendship, partly fuelled by their shared disdain for their store manager, Gordon, who is played by Mackenzie Crook himself.

Suburban Secrets and Animation

The series, filmed and set in and around Manchester, also features nosy neighbours, played by Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing, who become increasingly intrigued by the strange happenings in Michael's garden shed. 'Small Prophets' is set to weave visually stunning animation into its narrative, exploring themes of friendship, hope, secrets, and lies within a seemingly ordinary suburban cul-de-sac.

A Long-Held Ambition

Mackenzie Crook expressed his excitement, stating that the idea for 'Small Prophets' has been developing for nearly a decade. He highlighted his pleasure in working again with producer Gill Isles and actor Pearce Quigley, and in fulfilling a long-term ambition to collaborate with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, praised the series, calling it a "magical comedy" brimming with "wit and wonder." He emphasised the BBC's continued investment in original UK comedy, noting that "Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice."

Sources

• BBC commissions new Mackenzie Crook comedy Small Prophets (w/t), BBC.

• BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie unveils 10 star-studded new and returning shows, championing affordable,distinctive, UK comedy, BBC.