Revealed: Late Late Toy Show theme unwraps true meaning of Christmas
Late Late Toy Show host Patrick Kielty with cast members from the Spotlight Stage School, Anna May Rennicks (9) from Navan, Douglas Reid (11) from Carlow, Poppy Madden (9) from Carlow, Bonnie Fagan (4) from Navan, Joanna Ujadughele (10) from Carlow, Louis Hanna (7) from Dublin, Paddy Geraghty (9) from Navan, Sophie Brennan (11) from Carlow. Picture: Andres Poveda
Patrick Kielty is hoping to steal some Christmas spirit in tonight’s as he prepares to channel his inner Grinch.
The has featured a variety of themes over the years, each bringing its own charm and excitement to the show, and this year is no exception.
The show’s theme, always the country’s best-kept secret right up until the day, has been revealed as with a magical set to match.
Kielty will take on the role of the Grinch, a grumpy creature who despises Christmas and attempts to steal it from the joyful Whos of Whoville, the fantastical town that originated from the mind of Dr Seuss.
Surrounded by the enthusiastic Whos — the talented kids selected to star in this year’s show — the Grinch eventually comes to embrace the true meaning of the holiday spirit, his heart growing three sizes, symbolising his transformation from a bitter recluse to a beloved member of the Whoville community.
The opening of this year’s extravaganza will be narrated by none other than Liam Neeson, who recorded a special voiceover.
Speaking to reporters on set yesterday, Kielty said hosting such a special show “never gets old”.
“The theme of this year’s is which means that someone may have to dress up as the Grinch,” he said.
“A lot of people may think there’s not much makeup needed for that. I’m very excited. Growing up in our house, Christmas never really started until you sat down and watched There are a lot of lines in it we would quote to each other, even when it’s not Christmas.”
Kielty described the as a unique show which has a life of its own, thanks to the kids who star in the show.
“We plan this show for months, and the moments that actually make the show are the moments that just happen on the night,” he said.
“I’m now at the zen stage of the where it’s going to happen, I’m not in control, and let’s hang on for the ride.
“The is one of the few shows in the world where families come together, generations come together, and I think it’s because if you’re a grandparent, you actually remember Gay [Byrne] coming out and doing that segment in ’75, which wasn’t a full show, and you realise the genesis of it and so suddenly that’s part of your Christmas.
“Then the next generation remembers Pat [Kenny] and Ryan [Tubridy], and now another generation of kids is tuning in. So, I think that anniversary is really important because culturally, what we do in this country and how we come together before Christmas is unique.”
Speaking to the about the nostalgia of the show, Kielty said: “Nostalgia is in the eye of the beholder. I was lucky enough to do the first year, and then and now so all of these themes are in my wheelhouse; I’m just of that age.
“I think what’s nice about is that you realise he’s not really a meanie and he’s actually a cutie who just needs a bit of love and understanding, so nostalgic for me, definitely.”
Touching on the Toy Show Appeal, which has to date raised €26m for deserving causes, Kielty acknowledged just how much families have to save to have their own Christmas, yet still think of others and give so willingly.
“The Toy Show Appeal is something which has completely blown us away in terms of the generosity of the Irish public,” he said.
For the first time, audio description will be available live on RTÉ One during broadcast.
The with Irish sign language will be live on the RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player, featuring presenters Sarah-Jane O’Regan and Jason Maguire, working alongside interpreters Ciara Grant and Lisa Harvey-Coleman.
The will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm tonight.
