A new comedy created by Mackenzie Crook and starring Sir Michael Palin is filming in Greater Manchester.
Small Prophets (working title) has been created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning, Detectorists’ star, Crook and is produced by fellow BAFTA-winner, Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal).
“Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day,” said Crook.
“It’s wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.”
The 6-parter features the eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his “darling Clea” disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return.
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Then one day his dad shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy. With recipe in hand, Michael sets out (albeit with some scepticism) to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future – in the hope they have the answer to his burning question, ‘will I ever see Clea again?’.
He gets help from young work-mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly (but not wholly) through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook).
Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.
“BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets,” added Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy.
“This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder – from Mackenzie himself and Sir Michael Palin to Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing – and is backed by a top-tier creative team and stunning animation. It’s British comedy at its finest.”
The show is made by Treasure Trove Productions and Blue House Productions.
