It Ain't Half Hot Mum to Bombardier after Solly is demobbed and sent back to Britain. The soldiers are under the orders of Battery Sergeant Major "Shut Up" Williams, a belligerent Welshman who has spent almost all of his life as a professional soldier. In turn, Williams reports to the two officers in charge of the Concert Party: Captain Ashwood and Lieutenant-Colonel Reynolds. Both Ashwood and Reynolds are characterised as coming from upper-class backgrounds. Ashwood, the younger officer, is rather stupid and slightly excitable, while Reynolds is older and more worldly-wise and sensible. While often bemoaning the rough conditions of Army life, both Ashwood and
On the Buses (series 1) who were to play Inspector Blake and Jack Harper respectively. They both came from "", a television version of the play directed by Allen. Lewis and Grant had previously written and acted together. Wolfe found the actor for Arthur Rudge easily; he saw Michael Robbins as a bus passenger on television in "The Harry Worth Show". In the same week, Robbins was sent another offer for "The Dustbinmen" which he declined. The last two members to be cast were Mabel "Mum" Butler and Olive Rudge. Allen wanted Cicely Courtneidge as Mum and she was given the part for just the