On TV

The Seven-Year-Old Surgeon: Extraordinary People (five)

'YOU may think," said the prosecuting counsel, "that sex is dragged in at every opportunity."

This isn't, of course, an accusation that could ever be levelled at this column. But if a TV programme recalls the trial of Penguin Books over the publication of DH Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover then sex is going to play a prominent part.

Andrew Davies' drama cleverly wove the real life obscenity trial with the influence of the controversial book on two jurors, working class invoice clerk Keith and posher, more experienced Helena.

Did it perhaps deprave and corrupt them? That's the definition of an obscene publication on which jurors were asked to base their verdict on the book.

Well, Keith and Helena (Rafe Spall and Louise Delamere throwing off inhibitions and clothes) certainly seemed to enjoy themselves, mouthing four-letter words and copying the sexual entanglements of Lawrence's gamekeeper and lady of the manor.

Poor Keith gave himself away by performing a sex act on his wife that he'd first done with Helena. His missus knew immediately that he had another woman.

Accusations at the trial may sound silly now, notably the prosecutor asking the jury: "Is it a book you would wish your wife or servant to read". Class was still a consideration in 1960. It took the lifting on the ban on Lady C to signal the start of the anything goes with anyone Swinging Sixties.

By pointing that out the book described in detail 13 episodes of sexual intercourse, the prosecutor did more than any advertisement could have done selling the book to the public.

Akrit Jaswai's reading consists mainly of medical science books. The Seven-Year-Old Surgeon of the latest Extraordinary People documentary became regarded as a medical genius and revered as a god in India after operating on a girl one year older than him. Burns had left her hands permanently closed like fists. He operated successfully to separate her fingers.

Akrit was walking and talking by the age of ten months and reading Shakespeare in English at five. Now 12, the youngster from a sleepy village in the backwater of rural India is convinced he's going to find the cure for cancer. These were the claims that cancer experts at Imperial College, London, wanted to explore.

Akrit seems a level-headed, intelligent boy. He knows his subject and is studying for a science degree at an Indian university. In London, he did well in verbal tests but poorly in performance tests.

IQ experts ruled he'd been an early developer who'd slowed down. He didn't have the skills to match his intelligence and needed what was described as "a wise friend" to talk to him as he matured.

Learning that his father had left the family home after battling authorities on his son's behalf, you realised this lack of paternal influence might be a problem, especially when Akrit revealed that his father had told him to contact him again on the day he discovered a cure for cancer.

Scuffer, Courtyard Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse

It's nearing the end of a difficult day for Danny in Mark Catley's vibrant and energetic new play set in the Beeston area of Leeds.

Danny can only look on in amazement as his pregnant girlfriend Amy offers to sell her unborn child to the fearsome female debt collector threatening to break his legs with the baseball bat she's wielding.

Hard as it might be to believe from that scene Scuffer is a modern day romantic comedy, and one that shows happy endings can happen even in the worst circumstances.

Alex Chisholm's lively and likeable production - helped no end by Mic Pool's excellent use of video to set the scene - is fast and furious as Danny's awful day is played out. With the aid of Amy and her dad Jack, he sets out to beg, borrow and steal the money he needs to repay a loan shark.

As Danny, Richard Glaves is both funny and touching as his predicament goes from bad to worst, although he faces everything life throws at him with the same optimistic outlook.

Lorraine Bruce (wonderful as debt-collector Amy showing a softer side beneath her burly exterior), Hannah Storey, William Ilkley and Dominic Gately complete the uniformly excellent cast.

Until April 1. Tickets 0113 213 7700.

Steve Pratt

The Christians, Gala Theatre

MUSICALLY, the 1980s didn't deliver a great deal of which people can be proud. The Smiths, The Specials and Madness are among a small group of bands that did add some quality to a poor music scene. But last night's packed Gala Theatre witnessed a show by not only the most underrated band of the 1980s, but potentially ever, The Christians.

Ably backed up by fellow original member Henry Priestman and a four-piece band, lead singer Gary Christian demonstrated that he has one of the most soulful and magical voices in music and it's fair to say that if he tried, he could probably melt ice.

The 90-minute set was a journey through all their albums, including their latest album, Prodigal Son. Every song was fantastic, and politically they are as poignant as ever. Classic track Hooverville was the stand-out song of the evening but it's easy to forget their impressive back catalogue of tunes like Sad Songs, Forgotten Town and Harvest for the World.

There is something welcoming about the band, they are prepared to have a laugh on stage at their expense; the sight of Gary and Henry in huge Guinness hats was hilarious.

Those lucky enough to have been to see The Christians last night witnessed a memorable gig and watching people as they left demanding to know when they are to play Durham again, it's possible that The Christians' heyday is just around the corner.

Keir Waugh