Dragon's Den (BBC2)

Boudicca's Treasures: Revealed (five)

WHAT is it about entrepreneurs and bodily functions? Clearly, there are a lot of people who believe there is a great untapped market out there, that our lavatorial needs are somehow being neglected. How else to explain the number of devices presented to the investors in last night's Dragon's Den. Unless they're just taking the... mickey.

First prize for novelty was Sam Fountain with her She Wee, a tube to allow women to pee standing up. You insert it in your zipper, Sam explained, and, well you can guess the rest. Duncan Bannatyne, Darlington health club and casino boss, was understandably reluctant to have another title added to his list: "I'd be known as Mr She Wee", he complained. Sam left with her tail between her legs. At least I think it was her tail.

Then there was David, no-nonsense Yorkshireman who had come up with a device to allow you to decide how much water is used in each flush. The panel wasn't sure punters would want to look down the pan to check it had all been washed away. David thought they were squeamish and told them so, but he didn't get the deposit he really wanted.

As one businessman after another similarly got the bum's rush, Evan Davis, who moonlights as the BBC News business editor, provided the gleeful commentary, hardly able to contain his delight as they came a cropper, their optimistic smiles turned to dismay within a few minutes. But then the tables were turned when Danny arrived with his Bedlam puzzle, a sort of Rubik's cube for grown-ups.

This time, instead of struggling to contain their derision, the dragons were fighting each other, as each tried to tempt Danny to get into bed with them. The tension while they pitched their offers hid their enthusiasm so as not to sound too keen, and then as Danny weighed up each proposal, made for gripping TV. Still, it was a shame about the diamante G-string.

Not quite a G-string, but bejewelled nonetheless, a necklace dug up in a field in East Anglia prompted a hunt for Britain's warrior queen in Boudicca's Treasures: Revealed. The necklace is believed to have belonged to the queen of the Iceni, who was a Roman puppet until the conquerors raped her daughters.

Her revenge was savage, burning Colchester before marching on London and razing that to the ground as well. It all ended horribly, as the Iceni came face to face with a Roman legion and found their escape route cut off by all the rubber-neckers who had come to watch the battle. Mixing history with archaeology, it was an intriguing insight into someone who has become a national heroine without the vast majority knowing anything about her. There was one quibble, though. According to the resident historian, the Iceni went naked into battle, covered only with green paint. But in the re-enactments they were fully clothed. If only someone had been around to sell them bejewelled G-strings.

Strictly Ballroom Dancing, Darlington Civic Theatre

NOW if we're being strict, this project originally boasted allegiance to BBC1's popular dance format complete with competition. While the choreography of popular dancers Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag remains, this project has abandoned the contest corner and developed into a lean, mean, dancing display machine, complete with the wit and wisdom of Lionel Blair and Jane McDonald. Originally, TV's Strictly Dance Fever runners-up Danny Last and Jodie Binsteed were the star turn. But they are a little overshadowed now that Hull's 18-year-old Ben Hardwick and his 16-year-old partner, Emma Slater, have captured the World Latin American title.

Despite Darlington's tight stage area and considerable rake, the dancers do themselves justice. Plunging necklines and gyrating hips wow the packed audience... and that is just the guys. Such is the skimpy nature of costume for the girls that a few unscripted hand movements are required to let modesty blaze. Proceedings take a little while to warm up as Blair and McDonald try to find a happy medium when one half of the onlookers has never heard of a tea dance. Despite looking at times like Bruce Forsyth's older brother, Mr Blair still charms the crowd while Ms McDonald is quite a cabaret queen. If there was a phone vote after the show I suspect most would select 'another tour' and 'Saturday night TV'.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office: (01325) 486555

Viv Hardwick

The Hull Story, Newcastle City Hall

NEWCASTLE-born songwriter Alan Hull, widely regarded as one of the country's best and most under-rated talents, died ten years ago this month at the age of 50 from a heart attack. Best known for his work during the brief commercial heyday of Lindisfarne in the early 70s, Hull left a rich legacy of songs that reflected his socialist views and championing of the underdog, his sense of humour and his gentler, tender side.

The City Hall, always a happy hunting ground for the now-defunct Lindisfarne, hosted a sell-out tribute to the man and his work by former band-mates, friends and associates. Long-time fans were particularly excited at the prospect of Lindisfarne frontman Ray Jackson, who left the band in the early 90s, returning to the stage with other ex-members from the band's long history. And the 30-odd performers did not disappoint, delivering a fine evening's entertainment that highlighted the breadth of Hull's work. The old sing-along Lindisfarne crowd-pleasers were there along with some of the more serious songs that featured on Hull's solo albums, in some cases given a fresh interpretation on the night. Prelude, Kathryn Tickell, Jimmy Nail, Brendan Healy, Tim Healey and Ian McCallum contributed to a fine tribute night that will raise money for the North-East Young Musicians' Fund.

Mark Summers