Child Players ACT are busy preparing for a rerun of their show, Dr Dolittle.

In a first for the company, which boasts a “massive waiting list”, it’s running its summer program, which blends learning and performance, twice in a row, so that an eight-show run finished last Saturday and a new group went into rehearsal early this week.

This format is being trialled, Child Players say, because almost all cast members return year after year and when they age out, a lot of them stay on and direct or direct and play mentor roles on stage.

In a “ silly and fun” scenario, Doctor Dolittle, who can speak to animals, joins his colourful friends including the rare Pushmi-Pullyu, on a singing and dancing adventure to help sick animals.

Based on the book by Hugh Lofting, this modern original musical is performed by children for children and is suitable for all ages.

Doctor Dolittle – an original musical, Canberra Rep Theatre, Acton, January 29-February 2.