Midlands Children Featuring In Toy Show Tonight

All roads lead to the couch tonight, and children from the midlands will open the programme from 9.35pm.

Children from the midlands are preparing to play their part in tonight's Late Late Toy Show. 

This year's theme is The Wizard of Oz and Ryan Tubridy says he's life has been more Kansas than Oz lately, and the Toy Show is here to bring the magic back.

Children from Crettyard will be among the members of the Spotlight Stage School in Carlow who will be opening tonight's programme. 

Their teacher Stuart O' Connor, who also in charge of choreographing the opening number, says he's very excited about it:

The theme of this year’s Late Late Toy Show has been revealed as host Ryan Tubridy, Dorothy, Toto and a whole host of munchkins are off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz linked arm-in-arm for the most magical night on Irish television.

It's the 14th year Ryan Tubridy will appear on our screens as the host.

He has this advice for anyone getting Toy Show ready:

Somewhere over the rainbow escapism, love, courage, friendship and unity will feature as key undertones of this year’s themed show.

Ryan: “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for the Toy Show given the previews I have had of it this week. It is the thing that is close to the hearts of everyone who will be watching. Every age group, every generation, people will know from every walk of life where exactly we are going when we see the set up on Friday night.

“I promised we will be going home. I promised we will be talking more about Christmas, I promised we will get back to basics and when people see that opening, people will know exactly what I am talking about. Now it is time to simply get the treats in, to get the crisps in and the spirit back in the house and prepare yourself for what I hope will be the greatest night of the year for boys and girls all over the country because each and every one of them whether they are in hospital, at home or whether they are at their friend’s house. Wherever they are, this is for them, they deserve it. I look forward to everyone’s company immensely.”

This year’s Late Late Toy Show will see bluebirds fly as it boasts a huge cast with more than 200 young performers and talented toy testers taking part in tonight’s extravaganza. The children hail from all over Ireland with the youngest little munchkin aged just four years old.

In his 14th year at the helm of The Late Late Toy Show, Ryan's opening sequence performance is fast becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the show because, because, because, because… because of the wonderful things he does.

There is no place like home with a jaw-dropping Emerald City/ yellow brick road-themed set which has been created by RTÉ production designers and the elves at the RTÉ Costume and Make-Up Departments have been busy compiling ruby slippers and clicking them three times over the past weeks as they ready the cast for Friday’s spectacular.

Dare to dream as Squishmallows, New LEGO Sets, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Play Doh Ice Cream Truck, DJ Beat Boxer, Jurassic Park Baby Blue are among some of the top toys this year. Where troubles melt like lemon drops this year’s Toy Show aims to provide some sustainable and cost-effective toy alternative options with 3D Model Croke Park and Arket, DluluKaloo wooden toys destined for display in the biggest storefront in the country.

Dreams really do come true, as there is truly something for everyone with whispers of Irish toys such as Quillows, CubeFun and Holotoyz that are sure to sweeten even the most wicked of witches.

As always, Ryan and The Late Late Toy Show good witches have a few surprises up their sleeves and all will be revealed as the show goes on. Wish upon a star where a list of the toys featured will be available on the show’s website www.rte.ie/lifestyle following the broadcast. All toys featured on the night will be donated to Irish charities.

This year we will have Amanda Coogan, Jason Maguire and Ciara Grant presenting The Late Late Toy Show live with Irish Sign Language (ISL) on the RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player. The Late Late Toy Show ISL will be available to stream shortly after the live broadcast.  

Audio Description (AD) will also be available for the repeat on Sunday at 3.15pm and on Monday night, and afterwards on RTÉ Player. A fully accessible version (with subtitles, ISL and AD) will be broadcast on Wednesday 30th November, which will also be available to stream. 

We will also provide Audio Description (AD) for Blind and Vision Impaired audiences on the Sunday repeat. AD version will be available on RTÉ Player after the programme airs on television. 

The programme will be audio described by Clara Murray and Kevin Sherwin.

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is back for its third year, which last year ultimately raised a staggering €6.8m and provided support to over 160 children’s charities. With at least one project in every county in Ireland receiving funds, it is estimated that the monies raised helped over 1.1 million children and family members in 2022.