Parents can be put off visiting traditional theatre with young 'uns. For a start there's a chance that inopportune tantrums might put off other disgruntled punters who have come to the show child-free.

This is why, if you have children, the concept of familyfriendly theatre is such an appealing one.

Pippa Smith, head of education for Brighton Dome and Festival, explains the idea behind the Dome's first dedicated family day. "We have been gradually trying to establish some traditions," she says, "like the ballet at Christmas and the ceilidh, both of which are proving very popular."

With demand for the three venues that make up the Dome (The Corn Exchange, Concert Hall and Pavilion Theatre) so high, there may be difficulties in securing a regular slot for the family day out, Pippa sees this as a challenge.

"This is an experimental thing," she explains. "I'm not sure what it will develop into but we're setting out to have at least one dedicated children's day annually to begin with. "I'd then like to expand it gently, perhaps by setting up workshops like we do with our Allcomer's Shakespeare season, but we'll have to see how the audience reacts to these plays first."

The plays chosen to launch the new venture are The Gardener, a light-hearted look at age and regeneration aimed at the under-sevens, and The Legend Of Perseus, by all accounts "a rollicking good yarn" that will, says Pippa, appeal particularly to older boys.

In Brighton, venues such as The Komedia have been offering youngsters a thespian menu for some time now, something which Pippa doesn't want the Dome's days to encroach upon in any way.

"What they offer is fantastic," she says. "But I think there's still room for occasional day specials eleswhere.

"Our aim, primarily, is to entertain but it's also important to motivate young people, to put on shows which compliment their intelligence without insulting it."

"It can be very easy to patronise children but also extraordinarily exciting when you see something that doesn't.

"Children's theatre is very fresh and original like children themselves and that's what we aim to develop."

The Gardener, suitable for ages 3-7 years, starts 11am. The Legend of Perseus, suitable for 7+, starts 3pm. All tickets cost £6. Call 01273 709709.