[1] Brough originally aspired to become a teacher but was unable to secure employment in the field and instead worked in a solicitor's office.

Developing an interest in acting, Brough attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1928.

Many prominent actors began their careers with The Arthur Brough Players, including Peter Barkworth, who appeared in The Guinea Pig in 1948; Eric Lander, later a star of the TV series No Hiding Place, in 1949; Polly James in the early 1960s; and Anne Stallybrass, who started as an assistant stage manager in 1960 and went on to play Ida the maid in Pool's Paradise by Philip King.

Other notable alumni included Andrew Jack; Sydney Sturgess, who later married Barry Morse; and Trevor Bannister, who would eventually act alongside Brough in Are You Being Served?

A small, permanent cast would rehearse one play during the day while performing the previous week's production each evening, with a mid-week matinee.

Due to economic constraints, the limited number of actors often meant performers had to portray characters far removed from their own age or appearance.

"[9] One of the first roles Brough took away from the stage was in the film The Green Man (1956) with Alastair Sim, in which he played the landlord of the eponymous hotel.

The Folkestone Rep continued until 1969 before closing when Brough's wife Elizabeth began to suffer from ill health.

Initially aired as a pilot episode in the Comedy Playhouse slot, it was well received and commissioned for a series in early 1973.

Set in a fading fictional department store, Brough played the senior menswear salesman alongside his assistants Mr. Humphries (John Inman) and Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister).

His colleagues have fond memories of working with Brough, who, as his daughter noted, "was a highly respected actor who'd spent forty years in the profession."