Beyond Boundaries (BBC2)

Supernova (BBC2)

EVEN the narrator wasn't sure this was a good idea. "Some of them won't make it," he declared, setting the scene for the 28 day, 220 mile trek taking in dense jungle, crocodile-infested rivers and a live volcano.The difference this time is that those making the journey all have some form of disability. Two are in wheelchairs, one's blind, another's deaf, one has spina bifida and a variety of amputees complete the 11-strong party watched over by former SAS major Ken Haines.

They talk of challenges and the hope of inspiring others with disabilities. There's certainly a lot of true grit in the team, although deaf Charlie ("camp as Christmas but I am very determined") was flagging by the end of the first episode. Already one member, Warren, has returned home. The former British soldier has had sections of his arm cut off after developing cancer. He was given 15 years to live eight years ago. So when he discovered a lump on his arm, similar to previous ones, on the first day of the expedition, he had to decide whether to go home to see his doctor. His farewell and distress at feeling he was letting down fellow team members were emotive. The good news is that within 48 hours, he'd had the lump successfully removed, but his absence left the team without one of its most experienced and physically able members.

Teamwork is the key to making it across the unfriendly terrain. With the more mobile ones having to bear the brunt of the work, this makes for resentment, not to mention exhaustion. Just imagine trying to manoeuvre two wheelchairs, even specially built ones like these, across the rough terrain and up hills. Already there are signs of friction within the group. Some, including Jane walking on two prosthetic legs, are just getting on with it, while others are causing conflict. The rows left one member saying that he was "a mosquito's funny bits away from exploding" at Charlie's constant moaning.

Rob Brydon finds himself on unfamiliar territory in the new comedy series Supernova - the Australian Outback. The word hapless was invented for his character, a brilliant astronomer and expert on gases in black holes who's also accident-prone and hopeless around women. "I want to see the stars," he said, although he'd have been better off going to Hollywood than Down Under. Arriving at the Royal Australian Observatory, he found some of the most brilliant scientists in the world behaving like children. He discovered that the last gas expert drowned in the river. Presenting him with a good luck charm made from the teeth of the crocodile that ate him was a bit tactless.

Supernova does have its funny moments, most of them provided by Brydon. At least by the end of the opening episode he's replaced his jacket and tie for something more suitable for the Australian heat. If only he could tell a dog from a dingo, he might even survive.

Moll Flanders, Gala, Durham

THIS bold production by KAOS Theatre Company is described as an "eye-popping account of one woman's journey through poverty, prostitution, pick pocketing and penitence". It's certainly not for the faint-hearted - nor, for that matter, young children or anyone easily offended.

The action starts with Moll's mother, a poor prostitute and thief, languishing in Newgate jail. She avoids the hangman's noose by pleading pregnancy, but without the means to support her child, must give her up. After a spell with the gypsies, young Moll is taken in by a well-heeled family, and an affair with one of the sons sets her on the path to debauchery.

Based on Daniel Defoe's novel, the play gives a powerful insight into 18th century life, especially its hardship for poor women. As Moll goes through husband after husband, bearing and discarding children, we see that she has very little choice. Yet while it may be poignant, the play is far from sombre. Most striking about its staging is the fact that Moll is played by a man. It does seem a little strange when Ralf Higgins first dons a dress as the central character, but he proves surprisingly sympathetic. Swapping the genders of other roles injects burlesque comedy - and stops the frequent sex scenes from seeming too rude. Another dimension comes from having Defoe himself as commentator (also played convincingly by Higgins). A highly original historical romp.

* Ends tonight. Box office 0191-332 4041.

Sarah Foster

Saturday Night Fever, Darlington Civic Theatre

PUT on your white polyester and your platform shoes, the Bee Gees' definitive Seventies musical's in town. The Civic Theatre was packed with a mixed audience, from pensioner couples to teenies in glitter tops, everyone ready for an evening of groovy dancing and unforgettable music. They weren't disappointed; the band led by Pete Hagen produced a lovely big fat sound and the singing and dancing were top-notch. Two of the girls in the cast were finalists in TV's Musicality competition and gave their all, proving that if you've got the talent, all you need is the opportunity. The soloists had fine, strong voices, and did full justice to the instantly recognisable songs. The choreography was great and it's no wonder former EastEnder Shaun Williamson has lost so much weight if he's putting himself through that every night and twice on Saturdays.

So what was missing? It was the first night in a new venue, and perhaps it takes a while to settle in. Sean Mulligan in the lead as Tony Manero didn't quite fit; it was said of the character that 'women want him and men want to be him' and that didn't come over. There was no chemistry between Mulligan and his leading lady, Jayde Westaby as Stephanie, although both did a very workmanlike job. All the charisma came from Williamson as comic DJ Monty.

* Runs until Saturday. Box office (01325) 486555.

Sue Heath