Comedy icon Michael Palin is making a notable return to acting in Mackenzie Crook's new BBC series Small Prophets, premiering on 9 February. The 82-year-old star, best known for his groundbreaking work with Monty Python and beloved travel documentaries, is taking on a rare television comedy role after decades focusing on his globetrotting adventures.
Children's Cautious Advice and Ageing Fears
Palin has revealed that his three children – Thomas, William, and Rachel – have been offering cautious advice about his return to acting. "My children keep saying, 'Careful, careful,' but they're being overcautious," he told Radio Times. Despite their concerns, Palin notes that the character he portrays in Small Prophets is anything but cautious.
"In the show, [he] is not cautious and likes doing mad things, like trying to ride a motorbike aged nearly 90," Palin explained. He expressed delight that his character avoids stereotypical portrayals of elderly people. "I found playing this part fine," he said. "He's old and forgetful but able to interpret extraordinary text and put old bits of machinery together again. He's definitely not the archetype in a care home. I wouldn't like to just be in a chair, dribbling away, and then you die."
Reflections on Creative Freedom and Changing Times
The comedy legend reflected on his early career breakthrough with Monty Python, the surreal comedy series that became an international phenomenon and spawned five feature films. Palin believes he was fortunate to begin his career during a period of remarkable creative freedom.
"I was lucky to grow up in a period where being young was great," he revealed, noting how previous generations' youth had been dominated by two world wars. "After university in the '60s, it was the Beatles, Mary Quant, Pete and Dud, and Spike Milligan. You could do anything. There was no real censorship, not to the degree there is now. In Monty Python we could write what we wanted. Now you'd have to be more careful."
Small Prophets and Monty Python Connections
Palin observes that Mackenzie Crook's new series contains elements reminiscent of Monty Python's subtle absurdity. Small Prophets centres on a middle-aged man exploring alchemy and the occult as he attempts to discover the truth behind his girlfriend's mysterious disappearance.
The veteran performer shared his admiration for Crook's work with The Times. "I admire him as much as anyone doing television at the moment," he remarked. Crook, who writes, directs, and appears in a supporting role in the series, has accomplished the challenging feat of drawing Palin back to television comedy after many years as television's beloved globe-trotting traveller.
Memorable Travels and Cast Details
Speaking recently at Charleston in East Sussex during an interview with Samira Ahmed, Palin reflected on his extensive travels. Among all the far-flung locations he has explored during his documentary career, he singled out Bhutan as particularly memorable, characterising the isolated Himalayan kingdom as "unforgettable."
Alongside Mackenzie Crook, the Small Prophets cast includes Salford-born performer Pearce Quigley and BAFTA-winning actress Sophie Willan. The programme represents a significant return to Palin's comedy roots while allowing him to explore themes of ageing and creativity through a character that defies conventional expectations about older people in television.
