Come see the privates on parade
You'll say how proudly they're displayed

"It's 1948. Peace reigns in Britain but in South East Asia our boys are fighting a forgotten war against Communism. So, what do the British military might send over to help win the war against 5,000 Chinese Communists? I'll tell you what, says Major Giles (Gillian) Flack; song and ruddy dance!

Yes, the boys of The Song and Dance Unit South East Asia, S.A.D.U.S.E.A. are there to entertain our troops."

Privates on Parade is based on Peter Nichols's own National Service experiences whilst entertaining the troops.