It's the difference in formats that is getting in your way. To play on a US(NTSC) tv then you would need a US(NTSC) console to play on it.
If i'm not mistaken you may be able to get a PAL-NTSC converter to play on your UK tv though but i'm not sure which would be more cost efficient to you because I don't know any prices off the top of my head.
Also, i'm moving this into the PS1 thread. If this doesn't help then let us know. Actually, let us know if it helps you as well so we'd know for sure next time. Well, i hope that you enjoy posting and have fun gaming.