The BBC has finally released its new supernatural comedy series Small Prophets, which was filmed in Urmston and other parts of Greater Manchester.
Created by Pirates of the Caribbean actor Mackenzie Crook, the six-part series tells the story of Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago.
Since then, he has lived a relatively normal life, but all that changes when his father, played by Monty Python’s Michael Palin, shares a recipe to grow homunculi, magical spirits that can see the future.
The series also stars Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing, Paul Kaye and Mackenzie Crook, who also wrote and directed the series.
There are several locations Trafford viewers may be able to recognise in the series, including the house and shed where the homunculi are grown as those scenes were filmed in Urmston.
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Other locations include the Garricks Head pub in Flixton. The pub has acknowledged its role in the show on Facebook, with a post that said: “We were so proud to have Small Prophets — the new BBC drama — filmed right here in our home town of Urmston, and even more thrilled that The Garrick’s Head was chosen as one of the filming locations!
“It was an incredible experience watching the cast, including Mackenzie Crook and Michael Palin, at work and seeing behind the scenes of a real TV production. Now seeing it all come to life on screen makes it even more special.
“A moment we won’t forget — and one we’re very proud to be part of!”
Despite having only been released on February 9, the show has already received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike.
Commenting on the BBC Comedy’s post about the show on Facebook, Mike Hewlett said: “What a wonderful 30 minutes of pure entertainment. Super cast, great script and it's only the first episode.”
Jim Galbraith said: “Don’t miss this one! I gritted my teeth and forced myself to turn off after two episodes to prolong the magic. Marvellous.”
Other people have not been able to resist watching all the episodes. As Jayne Dean
Said: “Just binged the whole series. Mackenzie Crook is a genius!”
Critics are also impressed by Crook’s new series. The Guardian’s Jack Seale gave it five out five stars and described it as “an impossible marvel of TV making” and The Times described it as “the loveliest British comedy since Detectorists”, which was also written by and starred Mackenzie Crook.
Small Prophets is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
