Celebrity Wheelchair Challenge (C4) - THIS may feature three minor celebrities undertaking a difficult physical and psychological challenge, but is very different to isolating them in the Brother House or inhospitable jungle for a week or so.

Comedian Sean Hughes, TV presenter Gaby Roslin and model-presenter Tania Strecker had their legs taken away from them. They had to spend two days in wheelchairs attempting to travel from Edinburgh to London. The aim was to give viewers an idea of the problems and frustrations faced on a daily basis by Britain's 750,000 wheelchair users.

The practical problems were easier to illustrate than the emotional havoc the disability caused the celebs. Being in a wheelchair means living in a world where crossing the road can be a frightening experience and getting into buildings often impossible.

The trio had different views of how others treated them. Hughes said that, as he wheeled himself along the street, people got out of his way, "like Moses parting the Red Sea". Whereas Strecker found herself treated like an obstruction, with pedestrians giving her as little room as possible to get by.

Cameras gave a chair's eye view of the world, so we could see how things are often out of their reach. Hughes couldn't reach the top shelf porn in the newsagents and, at a pop concert, became annoyed at people blocking his view by standing right in front of him.

Strecker found that a tiny slope became "a mountain" in a wheelchair. One shop produced a ramp to gain access, while in another Roslin couldn't get to the women's clothing department in the basement.

As you can imagine, travelling - whether by plane, train or automobile - wasn't easy. Unoccupied taxis sped by on being hailed by a person in a wheelchair.

Rail users are often required to give 24 hours notice to be certain of getting help. Some buses and trains are wheelchair friendly, but regulations differ from service to service, making it impossible for a user to know where they're at. Roslin found herself on a long journey on a train without a disabled toilet. It took several people and much manouevring to help her spend a penny. When she arrived at London's Euston Station, she couldn't take an underground train as ther e was no lift.

One thing all the celebs hated was being carried. Sometimes, it was unavoidable. "I felt like I was a delivery for the supermarket," says Strecker, summing up the undignified and embarrassing experience. Hughes thought Heathrow Airport handlers had forgotten him after arriving on a flight from Dublin. He waited 20 minutes to be carried off the plane and was then abandoned in the middle of the terminal.

All three reached London in various states of distress. They spoke of feeling isolated and being unable to do anything instantly. The programme idea may be gimmicky but is a sound way of bringing home to those who are mobile how we can make life better for those in wheelchairs.

Aladdin Grand Opera House, York

THERE are two types of pantomime - the traditional sort that regards the format as bigger than any stars and ones that rely on TV names to draw in the crowds. The Grand Opera House falls into the latter category and, sometimes in the past, the names have been more of a hindrance than a help.

This year things are much improved. The script is still the weakest link which probably accounts for all the work that the audience is forced to do. They have to scream every time Wishee Washee appears. They have to shout every time Widow Twankey tries to wipe her tears on her sleeve ("Use the hankey Twankey"). And Nick Barclay's baddy Abanazar positively defies you not to boo him at every opportunity.

The cast is so stuffed with names eager to do their turns that supporting characters, notably Annabelle Hall's Princess Yashmin and comic policemen Won Tun and Two Tun (Leon Thompson and James Watt), are left standing around twiddling their thumbs. Baywatch's Jaason Simmons as the Genie of the Lamp and Maggie Millar, alias Neighbours' Rosie the Rev, lead a strong Aussie contingent, while Frank (Dad's Army) Williams is a rather unflamboyant dame.

Jon Clegg makes an irrepressible Wishee Washee, working hard with endless impersonations and bad jokes. But it's James Crossley, the Gladiator formerly known as Hunter, who makes winning the audience's attention and sympathy seem effortless. And he looks like he's enjoying himself too.

Steve Pratt

Until January 5. Tickets (01904) 671818.