1st look of Mackenzie Crook’s new BBC comedy Small Prophets filmed in Manchester
New behind-the-scenes images have been released from Small Prophets, the upcoming BBC comedy created, written and directed by BAFTA-winner Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists).
The six-part series is set to launch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two in early 2026. Featuring a cast that includes Crook himself, alongside Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye, the new images offer an early glimpse into the surreal world the show promises to explore.
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Filmed in and around Manchester, Small Prophets is produced by BAFTA-winning producer Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal), and incorporates animated elements as part of its blend of the magical and mundane, all set within a suburban cul-de-sac.
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The story centres on Michael Sleep (played by Pearce Quigley), a man whose partner Clea vanished seven years ago. Since then, Sleep’s life has settled into quiet routine — eating Shreddies, working at a DIY store, and visiting his father Brian (Michael Palin), while quietly hoping for Clea’s return.
The turning point arrives when Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure, and elements of alchemy — a formula said to summon Homunculi, magical beings capable of predicting the future. Skeptical but curious, Sleep begins experimenting.
Alongside him is Kacey (Lauren Patel), a young colleague from the DIY store. Their unlikely friendship grows, in part due to their shared dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). Meanwhile, curious neighbours (played by Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing) become increasingly suspicious of the strange activities taking place in Sleep’s shed.
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Paul Kaye plays Roy, Clea’s brother, who returns to reclaim the family home after falling on hard times — convinced that his sister is never coming back. Small Prophets is a co-production between Treasure Trove and Blue House Productions for the BBC. It was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie and will be distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus.
Executive producers include Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House. The BBC’s commissioning editor is Emma Lawson.