I am rather more than disappointed to find, now that I have bought an I-Pad and paid my €6.99 subscription, that the much trumpeted I-Player service now available outside the UK is not what it says on the box. It is not possible to use it as a "catch-up" service, as is the case in the UK. Instead there is a limited availability of very old programmes. Am I the only one who feels misled about this? I doubt many people will want to pay the annual charge of €49.99 to watch old soap. Perhaps I should complain to Watchdog?     Furthermore, it is extremely disappointing to find that the fantastic I-Pad doesn't play the video reports available on BBC On-Line News because Apple don't approve of Adobe Flash. One step forward, two steps back?

To David en France - the fact that Apple eschews Adobe Flash is hardly the BBC's fault! But I understand the disappointment. Having said that ...
Is there a BBC iPlayer App that works outside the UK?
Yes, BBC Worldwide have developed a commercial version of BBC iPlayer (Global) for Western European audiences, designed to generate revenues from an international digital audience that supports the licence fee.
It is currently available as an iPad application via the Apple App Store in the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Portugal.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-iplayer/id416580485?mt=8
Note for HMG: Capetown/South Africa isn't included in that list, so your IP address (which can identify the country you're resident in) may be preventing your access - you might need to use a proxy service (but such may be 'technically illegal' given the international rights issues!).

What's New In Version 1.1
You can access BBC iPlayer by downloading the app from the Apple App Store (or Android Market). Alternatively, you can access the BBC iPlayer website by typing http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/ into your tablet’s web browser.

BBC iPlayer for Apple iPad is only supported on the Safari browser. Might this perhaps be a source of the problem you're experiencing?

"Since we launched the BBC iPlayer for iPad in February 2011, nearly a million users have downloaded the app, playing millions of programmes. Amazing! For most, playback has been great, but some have reported problems. In many cases this is due to a poor Wi-Fi connection. In other cases, a bug was getting in your way. We worked with some users to help test this update, which should solve the problem. Thanks for your help!"
Also in this update, introducing Radio 4 Extra, an archive entertainment network with classic comedy, drama and features.

We value your continued feedback. If you have thoughts about BBC iPlayer on iPad, don't hesitate to share them with us via 'Contact Us' on the BBC iPlayer website. http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/outside_the_uk/

"If you are outside of the UK and have a query regarding BBC iPlayer (Global) then email: BBCiPlayer@bbc.com"

Just to add that I'm in the UK. I'm merely trying to provide some wider details as a response: and note - I have nothing to do with the iPlayer application - either domestic or international!!