The BBC’s new sitcom Small Prophets has been hailed by viewers as a “masterpiece” following its release on Monday.
The six-part series, titled Small Prophets, is created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists) and follows Michael Sleep (played by Pearce Quigley), whose partner Clea vanished seven years ago. After his elderly father Brian (Michael Palin) shares a mystical ancient recipe involving rain water, horse manure, and a little alchemy, Michael sets out to create magical creatures who can predict the future.
The series has gone down a storm with viewers, which is hardly surprising given its award-winning production team. Creator Mackenzie Crook is no stranger to creating heartfelt and hilarious TV, having won two BAFTAs for his hit sitcom Detectorists, as well as receiving rave reviews for his acclaimed fantasy drama, Worzel Gummidge. Meanwhile, BAFTA-winning Gill Isles, who has produced hits such as the 2007 Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special, Peter Kay’s Car Share and Alma’s Not Normal, produces the show.
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© BBC / Hot Olives Productions LimitedThe series centres around Michael Sleep (played by Pearce Quigley)
What is Small Prophets about?
Set in a suburban Manchester cul-de-sac, the series centres around the eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago.
Since then, Michael has lived a very ordinary life, working in a DIY store and visiting his dad, Brian, all while hoping for Clea’s return.
One day, Brian shares an ancient recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy with Michael, who “sets out to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future,” according to the synopsis.
It continues: “Sleep 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 and Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.
“Meanwhile, Roy (Paul Kaye), Clea’s brother has fallen on hard times. In desperation he has come back into Michael’s life to claim back the family home, convinced that his sister will never return.”
© Vishal Sharma / HOT OLIVES PRODUCTIONS LIMITED / BBCMackenzie Crook creates and stars in the sitcom
What have TV critics said about the show?
The series has been met with rave reviews from TV critics, with The Telegraph highlighting Michael Palin’s “superb” performance in its four-star review, while The Guardian handed out five stars, hailing the sitcom as “an impossible marvel of TV making”.
Meanwhile, The Independent said the show “wrings emotion from the commonplace and everyday – only this time, the treasure Crook has buried is altogether more peculiar”.
© BBC / Matt Squire / HOT OLIVES PRODUCTIONS LIMITEDAll episodes are available on BBC iPlayer now
How to watch the series
All six episodes of Small Prophets are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
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