Arthur Brough, forever remembered as the quintessential senior menswear salesman Mr. Grainger in the beloved BBC sitcom Are You Being Served?, enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned almost half a century before his television fame. Born Frederick Arthur Baker on February 26, 1905, in Petersfield, Hampshire, England, Brough’s journey to becoming a household name within the Are You Being Served? cast is a testament to his dedication and talent. His early life, steeped in amateur dramatics and classical theatre, laid the foundation for his later comedic success as part of the iconic Are You Being Served? ensemble.
Brough’s passion for acting ignited in his youth, participating in amateur theatricals alongside future luminary Alistair Sim. This early enthusiasm led him to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in the early 1920s. Upon graduation, Brough immersed himself in the world of Shakespearean theatre, joining a troupe where he met his future wife, actress Elizabeth Addeyman. Their marriage marked not just a personal union, but a professional partnership as well. Using their wedding dowry, they bravely ventured into theatre management, renting the Leas Pavilion, a repertory theatre in Folkestone.
Arthur Brough was the driving force behind this venture, serving as both company manager and leading actor. His entrepreneurial spirit and theatrical acumen led to the expansion of his repertory theatre network. From Folkestone, he established new companies in Bradford, Bristol, Blackpool, Keighley, Leeds, Lincoln, Oxford, and Southampton, building a theatrical empire that stretched across the country. His commitment to live theatre was unwavering, even as the world shifted towards new forms of entertainment. The Second World War interrupted his theatrical endeavors, as Brough enlisted in the Royal Navy, serving his country throughout the conflict. Upon his return and demobilization, he immediately returned to his passion, reopening the Folkestone repertory theatre and continuing to nurture the performing arts.
Brough’s dedication to the theatre is widely acknowledged, with his Are You Being Served? co-star Mollie Sugden recognizing his significant contribution to training a generation of British actors. In the 1950s, he further expanded his theatrical footprint, establishing repertory theatres in Southend and Eastbourne. However, Brough was also a pragmatist. Recognizing the growing influence of television, he astutely predicted the decline of repertory theatre as the dominant entertainment form. This foresight prompted him to diversify his career, seeking roles in the burgeoning mass media of film and television. His daughter, Joanna Hutton, highlighted his astute and unsentimental perspective, noting his realization that “the era was over and that he must diversify.” This led him to roles away from the stage, including a part in the film Der grüne Mann (1956) alongside his former amateur dramatics partner, Alistair Sim.
The transition from stage to screen presented initial challenges for Brough. Accustomed to the larger-than-life performances demanded by theatre, he found the nuances of screen acting required adjustment. As his daughter recounted, “He realized how hammy he was. He used to take the mickey out of himself; he’d always acted in a Shakespearean manner and suddenly realized he had to tone down his performance for film.” This self-awareness and willingness to adapt allowed him to successfully navigate the world of film and television.
Brough’s career diversified, encompassing a range of smaller roles in both film and television productions. He appeared alongside Jayne Mansfield in Sie pfiff – und die Kerle kuschten (1960) and made guest appearances in popular TV series such as Upstairs, Downstairs, Dad’s Army, and Z-Cars. Despite his growing television work, he remained connected to his theatrical roots, appearing in productions like Half a Sixpence (1967), where, in a foreshadowing of his most famous role, he played a shopkeeper. The Folkestone Rep, a testament to his enduring passion for theatre, continued until 1969 before finally closing its doors.
Then came Are You Being Served?. Joining the Are You Being Served? cast in 1972, Arthur Brough found the role that would define his television career. His portrayal of Mr. Grainger, the dignified and slightly bewildered senior salesman at Grace Brothers department store, resonated with audiences and became a cornerstone of the show’s humor. The Are You Being Served? cast, with its ensemble of comedic talents, created a truly iconic British sitcom, and Brough’s Mr. Grainger was integral to its success. While enjoying the peak of his career on Are You Being Served?, Brough privately faced personal hardship as his wife, Elizabeth, battled a serious illness.
A critical juncture for Are You Being Served? arrived after its fifth season in 1977. The show was thriving, and producer David Croft had brought in director Bob Spiers, known for Fawlty Towers and later Absolutely Fabulous, to helm the sixth season. However, Easter Sunday of 1978 brought devastating news. Elizabeth, Arthur Brough’s wife of 50 years, passed away. Emotionally shattered, Brough initially announced his retirement from acting.
His daughter recounted that Brough stayed with her in the weeks following Elizabeth’s death. During this difficult time, David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd reached out, informing him that they were writing him back into the upcoming series of Are You Being Served?. Tragically, Arthur Brough passed away before filming could commence. He died six weeks after his wife, on May 28, 1978, in Folkestone. David Croft made the poignant decision not to recast the role of Mr. Grainger. Instead, his character was respectfully replaced by Mr. Tebbs, played by James Hayter.
Arthur Brough’s colleagues in the Are You Being Served? cast and beyond remembered him with deep affection and respect. As his daughter noted, he was “a highly respected actor who’d spent forty years in the profession.” David Croft, upon Brough’s death, poignantly stated, “Arthur created a living character who was the inspiration for much of the humour. His personality made him a pivot round which a whole lot of laughter and affection revolved.” Arthur Brough’s legacy extends beyond his beloved role in Are You Being Served?; he remains a figure of respect and admiration for his lifelong dedication to the performing arts, and his contribution to the golden age of British comedy television as part of the memorable Are You Being Served? cast.
