The greatest ever Yorkshireman, Sir Michael Palin, is set to appear in a new sitcom created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook who is known in part for Detectorists and also his iconic character in the mock-documentary The Office.
Commissioned by the BBC Small Prophets (working title) is set to be produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal), from Treasure Trove Productions and Blue House Productions. The six-part series tells the tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies and works in a DIY store all the while hoping for Clea to return.
Until one day, Palin’s character, dad Brian shares an old recipe, Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future, involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy. Michael sets out in the hope they have the answer to his burning question, ‘will I ever see Clea again?’. Michael has help from young workmate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook).
Mackenzie Crook’s new project Small Prophets is set and filmed and set in and around Manchester and is sure to be a huge hit. Speaking about the project, Mackenzie Crook said: “Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day.
“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.”
Gill Isles says: “I’m absolute thrilled to be working with Mackenzie again on such a funny, beautiful and unique show.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, adds: “BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets. 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.”
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