Small Prophets cast: Full list of actors and characters in BBC comedy

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Mackenzie Crook is starring in a new BBC comedy that’s quickly winning over audiences.

Following the success of shows like Detectorists and Worzel Gummidge, Crook returns to the comedic style of The Office in his newest project. He plays the demanding boss of Michael Sleep, portrayed by Pearce Quigley.

Michael is a somewhat unusual man in his middle years. He’s still deeply affected by the loss of his partner a long time ago, and it’s made him view the world with a sense of weariness and cynicism.

But things get interesting when his father, Brian (played by the famous Sir Michael Palin), suggests a magical way to help him find the answers he’s looking for.

Interested in the new comedy everyone’s talking about? Here’s a look at the cast of Small Prophets.

Small Prophets cast: Full list of actors and characters in BBC comedy

Here’s a look at the cast of the Small Prophets. Keep reading for detailed information on each actor and the characters they play, plus a list of other projects they’ve been in.

  • Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep
  • Lauren Patel as Kacey
  • Sir Michael Palin as Brian
  • Jon Pointing as Clive
  • Sophie Willan as Bev
  • Mackenzie Crook as Gordon
  • Ed Kear as Brigham
  • Charlotte Mills as Hilary
  • Adam Wright as Elliot
  • Paul Kaye as Roy
  • Shola Adewusi as Olive

Pearce Quigley plays Michael Sleep

Michael is a solitary and somewhat pessimistic man haunted by the disappearance of his partner, Clea, years ago. He mainly interacts with his aging father, a few worried neighbors, and the customers at the tool shop where he works – though his blunt honesty often leaves them annoyed. His quiet life is disrupted when he learns a strange secret that could finally explain what happened to Clea.

Pearce Quigley has appeared in several recent projects, including “Mandy,” “Showtrial,” and “The Gentlemen.” He previously worked with Mackenzie Crook on the popular series “Detectorists.” He’s also collaborated multiple times with Peter Kay, appearing in “Car Share,” “Britain’s Got the Pop Factor…”, and “That Peter Kay Thing.”

Lauren Patel plays Kacey

Who is Kacey? Kacey is a young woman who works at the hardware store with Michael.

I’m a big fan of Lauren Patel and I’ve been looking into what else she’s been in! She was Jas Sharma in the latest season of Waterloo Road, which was great, and she even did voice work as PC Mukherjee in the new Wallace & Gromit movie, Vengeance Most Fowl. Plus, she’s appeared in the film version of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and the ITV animated series Lloyd of the Flies – she’s been really busy!

Michael Palin plays Brian

Brian is Michael’s father and currently lives in a care home. He loves building unusual gadgets, but unfortunately, his memory has been declining.

Besides being famous for Monty Python – the incredibly popular comedy group with John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman – Sir Michael Palin has also appeared in other shows. Recently, he played The Green Man in a new version of the children’s series Worzel Gummidge.

Besides being an actor, Michael Palin is famous for his travel documentaries, like ‘Around the World in 80 Days,’ which have taken him to incredible locations around the globe.

Jon Pointing plays Clive

Clive is Michael’s neighbor and has asked him to tidy up his messy driveway.

Besides his recent role as Danny in the Channel 4 comedy Big Boys, Jon Pointing has also appeared in Queenie (Channel 4), Sweetpea (Sky), and Run Away (Netflix).

Sophie Willan plays Bev

Who is Bev? Bev is Clive’s wife, who is also bothered by Michael’s odd behaviour.

Sophie Willan is best known for creating and starring in the BAFTA-winning sitcom, Alma’s Not Normal, which drew inspiration from her own life. She’s also appeared in shows like Still Open All Hours and Ludwig.

Mackenzie Crook plays Gordon

Gordon manages the local tool shop where Michael and Kacey are employed. He’s very dedicated to his work, which sometimes annoys his coworkers – he’d definitely impress Gareth Keenan with his seriousness!

Mackenzie Crook first became well-known for playing a memorable character in the British version of The Office, alongside Ricky Gervais. This success led to roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, where he played an eccentric character. More recently, he’s gained praise for creating and starring in the BBC comedy Detectorists and for a fresh take on the classic character Worzel Gummidge.

Ed Kear plays Brigham

Brigham is one of Michael’s coworkers at the tool shop. You’ll easily recognize him by his loud voice and hearty laugh.

Okay, so you’re wondering what else Ed Kear has been in? I know him best as Dean from the really funny BBC sitcom Here We Go, but he’s been building a solid career! I’ve also spotted him in Slow Horses, Avoidance, and even popped up in the CBBC show Dodger. He’s definitely one to watch, if you ask me.

Charlotte Mills plays Hilary

Who is Hilary? Hilary works at the care home where Michael’s dad lives.

Besides her current role, Charlotte Mills has also appeared in the ITV dramas Protection and Malpractice.

Adam Wright plays Elliot

Who is Elliot? Elliot is a young person who lives in Michael’s neighbourhood.

What else has Adam Wright been in? Small Prophets is Wright’s first major TV project.

Paul Kaye plays Roy

Who is Roy? Roy is the brother of Michael’s girlfriend, who has been missing for years.

Paul Kaye is widely recognized for playing Thoros of Myr in HBO’s Game of Thrones. More recently, he’s appeared in shows like The Woman in Cabin 10, The Hack, Shardlake, and Vera.

Kaye previously worked with Small Prophets creator Crook on his family series Worzel Gummidge.

Shola Adewusi plays Olive

Who is Olive? Olive is another of Michael’s neighbours, with a strange approach to gardening.

As a big cinema fan, I’ve been keeping track of Shola Adewusi, and she’s been really busy lately! I recently saw she was in the BBC sitcom Can You Keep A Secret? with Dawn French, and she’s even landed a role in the new Marvel series Wonder Man alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Before that, she was a regular on the American comedy Bob Hearts Abishola for five years – she’s definitely one to watch!

Small Prophets is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Don’t miss out on ‘Small Prophets’! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob ‘What to Watch’ app. Download now to get daily TV recommendations and the latest features.

Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about scripted TV dramas and comedies for TopMob. Before that, he contributed to Starburst Magazine, hosted the Winter King Podcast on ITVX, and earned a Journalism degree from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-02-10 19:11