To Whom it Concerns, 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.
Viewers will follow the yellow brick road tonight as The Late Late Toy Show does The Wizard of Oz. The Late Late Toy Show airs tonight Friday, November 25th, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and will be available to watch worldwide for free on RTÉ Player.
Somewhere over the rainbow escapism, love, courage, friendship and unity will feature as key undertones of this year’s themed show.
Ryan said: “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.
Stream Free Worldwide
It has now become an annual family tradition to nestle around the television where the nation comes together to create new memories and have no worries as The Late Late Toy Show 2022 kicks off festive cheer tonight. Last year, our global audience tuned in from over 100 countries to watch the spectacle including Irish hot spots like London, New York, Boston, Dubai and Sydney.
So, no matter who you are, or which country you are from, stream for free on RTÉ Player at 9.35pm – everyone is invited.
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.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is back for it's 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.
Donations can be made via www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal
and by the Revolut app.
RTÉ Socials
The Late Late Toy Show excitement kicks off live on TikTok at 10:50am on Friday morning where Ryan will bring you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of this year’s set! Catch all the best moments from the night across the Late Late social channels using the hashtag #LateLateToyShow. You can follow the Late Late right now to make sure you don’t miss a single second of the greatest TV night of the year – @latelaterte on TikTok @latelaterte on Instagram, @RTELateLateShow on Twitter, @TheLateLateShow on Facebook.
The Late Late Toy Show airs on RTÉ One & RTÉ Player on Friday, November 25th at 9.35 pm.
Slán go fóill.