TELEVISION is not the only option for fun-starved youngsters on Saturday mornings this autumn.

The Nuffield theatre, Southampton, has come to the rescue with another programme of regular live entertainment for the rest of the year.

All of the action in the Theatre First season will take place in a new theatre space, specially designed for children's theatre.

The Nuffield's own children's theatre company kicks off the entertainment with their delightfully scary version of David McKee's much-loved Monster books. Not Now Bernard and other Monster Stories is suitable for three to seven-year-olds and can be seen on September 28.

On October 5, slightly younger audiences can enjoy an accessible puppet version of Romeo and Juliet, courtesy of Little Angel Theatre Company.

Strawberry the Clown will be providing the fun on October 12 with his hit show Funny Business, ideal for children aged four to eight.

Domestic dilemmas are explored in the new play A Family Cookbook on October 19, aimed at eight to 12-year-olds. The production tells the story of how two unrelated children cope when they are forced to join a new family.

Scat Theatre Company present Ollie Oddsocks on October 26, while spooky fun is on offer on November 2 with Gotcha!, Half Moon Young People's Theatre's take on the Frankenstein story.

Classic Grimms fairytale Hansel and Gretel is given a fun twist by Norwich Puppet Theatre on November 9, swiftly followed by another time-honoured tale Pinocchio on November 16 - both suitable for all children over the age of four.

Punchinello's Puppets bring their show for two-year-olds, Mother Goose's Remarkable Rainbow, to the theatre on November 23.

All Saturday shows can be seen at 11am and 2pm and run for no more than an hour. Tickets cost £4. Box office: 023 8067 1771.