Mackenzie Crook Unveils Comedy Magic in 'Small Prophets'

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes of 'Small Prophets'

In the ever-evolving world of comedy, 'Small Prophets' emerges as a refreshing take on storytelling, combining quirky humor with emotional depth. Filmed in Urmston and Stockport, this new BBC Two series, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, showcases a colorful cast, including none other than the legendary Sir Michael Palin.

From Concept to Creation

Crook's journey into the world of 'Small Prophets' has been nothing short of a decade-long odyssey. He notes, “It was a story that I stumbled upon about these creatures being grown in jars.” In his playful spirit, he reveals, “A lot of it was I wanted to work with my friend Pearce Quigley, and when I realized he was the main character, it sort of started to crystallize in my head.”

The Filming Experience

The cast and crew experienced a warm welcome from the local residents, as Crook shared his delightful encounters during filming. The tight-knit community added authenticity to the production, according to Sophie Willan, another notable cast member. She stated, “Being able to film in Manchester where I've grown up and being able to have so many incredible people from the North working on it has been really cool.”

A Story of Oddities and Alchemy

At the heart of the series is the narrative of a character named Michael, played by Pearce Quigley, who is on a quest for answers following the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend. As told in the series, Michael's father Brian, portrayed by Sir Michael Palin, shares an ancient recipe that fuses rainwater, horse manure, and a sprinkle of alchemy, leading to the rise of prophesying spirits.

Community Impacts

• Local Hospitality: Crook praised the welcoming nature of residents, enhancing the filming atmosphere.
• Unique Filming Locations: Key scenes were shot in familiar surroundings, thus promoting local culture.
• Engagement with the Public: Crook and the cast interacted with curious locals, creating memorable moments on set.

A Fondness for the North

In a nod to the importance of the local setting, Crook playfully quipped about his choice to film in the North, jokingly stating, “I knew I'd be guaranteed seven weeks of glorious unbroken sunshine.” While the reality may have been a bit different, the camaraderie and shared experiences of filming fostered a sense of unity and creativity within the crew.

Conclusion: Tune in for the Fun

The misadventures, heartfelt stories, and dynamic character interactions promise to make 'Small Prophets' a comedic triumph. Premiering on BBC Two at 22:00 GMT on February 9, the show is bound to become a talking point. As viewers, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of this unique narrative, rich with humor and insight.

“Every great comedy has a touch of the bizarre and the heartwarming, and 'Small Prophets' endeavors to deliver just that.”

Stay tuned to BBC iPlayer for all the latest episodes and experience the magic of 'Small Prophets' come to life!