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The Late Late Toy Show threw its arms around the world like never before on Friday night, raising more than € 5 million for children’s charities among all the fun and heartwarming moments.
Like Fantastic Mr Fox, Ryan Tubridy and his friends kicked off the party with a performance by It’s so quiet. It was anything but.
Billed as “the program to end all programs,” the screams and cheers began from the beginning and echoed in homes across the country and beyond.
The Toy Show studio looked warmer and more beautiful than ever, an achievement for an extravaganza that holds such a special place in the hearts of generations.
Families from across the country appeared on screen through the wonders of technology and children spending time in the hospital or with LauraLynn and the Jack & Jill Foundation received special recognition on the most special night.
Ironically, the host wasted no time sending in the reality of working from home in 2020, multitasking on the toys after the Elf and Security Officer reminded him of his duties, a little garda for Matthew McHugh evening.
The first toy testers of the night were Grace (eight) and James (six) Keane, a sister and brother from Co Cork who gave the other testers a difficult act to follow and even found time to vacuum the study. They would be up to the occasion.
Eight-year-old budding supervet Saoirse Moynihan from Tralee screened stuffed dog Tony Tubridy for coronavirus, with a procedural compliance that would make NPHET proud.
A fan of David Walliams, Saoirse was anxious to find out if the author cleaned up after his dog while he walked; he got his answer through a message specially recorded by the man. And Walliams also had a lot of gifts ready to send to Saoirse.
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Mini paleontologist Jayme Traynor corrected Ryan by telling him that he was six, not five, and he lived in Newry, not Cabra, and that he was just warming up. In the sweetest northern accent, he told Ryan that his inflatable dinosaur looked “a little sleepy”, passed on his grandmother’s wisdom that “when you have to go, you have to go”, and then made a Jurassic lark ran to the host before leaving to wait for the call from Steven Spielberg.
A star in the making.
Seven-year-old Sam Moules from Aughrim, Co Wicklow brought the outdoors indoors and shared his love of camping with a man who, one would imagine, hasn’t spent much time in a tent, aside from Championship Plowing.
The urban host and young Bear Grylls became best friends faster than a campfire pot would boil – an outdoor broadcast adventure would make for good Sunday night TV.
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Eight-year-old Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co Galway, was an inspiration to all ages as she shared her story of losing her leg to a tumor – she started feeling ill on Toy Show night last year.
She told Ryan she had three dreams: to be at the Late Late Toy Show, to walk on Christmas, and to go on a family vacation. With the first two ordered, the Toy Show and Aer Lingus were happy to help with the last one.
A trip to Disney World is on the line when the world returns to normal. Later, her mother joined Saoirse in telling about Saoirse’s fundraiser for charity, a story that inspired this year’s Late Toy Show Charity Drive.
Christopher (11), Fionn (eight) and Angela (six) Purcell from Co Cavan shared their love of reading with RTÉ’s resident bookworm, enjoyed a song, talked about GAA and its charming trio captured by renowned artist PJ Lynch. There was also a year-long supply of books to take home.
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Eight-year-old Gabriela Dermody from Co Kilkenny walked into the studio, gave Ryan a crash course in doll makeup, and showed off her dance moves on TikTok. Guess who couldn’t keep up?
It was the perfect transition to Tubs ‘tribute to Singin’ in the Rain, on the set of Fair City! Showstoppers are the stock-in-trade of Toy Show; it would have made Gene Kelly smile that smile.
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Once Ryan was dry, he was joined by Aidan Pinto, an eight-year-old from Midleton, Co Cork, a train enthusiast who brought all his rolling stock with him. The Slim Controller was impressed, until Aidan said that Ringo Starr narrating Thomas the Tank Engine was better than drumming for The Beatles.
The young man was equally sure of his answers on Toyshow Mastermind, winning a golden train ticket from Iarnród Éireann for a tour of the Inchicore Works and a classic train ride through Ireland.
Nine-year-old rocker Annie McCann O’Brien from Portlaoise shared her love for AC / DC. “You have great taste in music,” Ryan said. “I know,” Annie said with a coolness that would make Bon Scott proud. Then he bent over and put the host back in his place by telling him that his father was still too young to buy a newspaper.
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The much heralded performance of Rule the world It lived up to expectations. And something else. When Gary Barlow joined children with Irish roots from around the world, they all felt a little closer to home and to coming home.
Six-year-old Adam King from Co Cork lifted the virtual homemade hug he shows everyone he meets because of Covid-19. Everyone in the country wanted to offer you one too. Adam, who has brittle bones, plans to work in NASA mission control; his confidence and sense of fun are already out of this world.
And there was an appropriately stellar surprise: John Doyle, “Ireland’s finest hospital porter,” smiled from Temple Street to greet his young friend. “Adam has such a contagious smile that even the darkest planet would light up,” John said. Talk about a rocket straight to your heart!
Eight-year-old Jacky McCullough from Dripsey, Co Cork showed off his billiards knowledge and skills, but he’s too full of beans to be a commentator! His pure sense that everything turns out to be fun epitomized the night that passed, and there is a day with Ken Doherty to look forward to soon (hopefully).
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Michael Moloney is a huge fan of Dermot Kennedy and performed a sublime version of Giants, dedicated to his late father. Halfway through the chorus, Dermot Kennedy entered to marvel at Michael’s totally confident performance.
“It was magical,” said the leader of the charts of his latest duo. And he didn’t come empty-handed, telling Michael he has a recording of a day in Windmill Lane ready. It seemed like it would be the first of many.
Lucy Power and Ryan Tubridy list the things we missed in 2020#LateLateToyShow https://t.co/axeLLgb1Yy pic.twitter.com/2k8Zwuwxur
– Entertainment in RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) November 28, 2020
Ten-year-old Lucy Power from Waterford celebrated her 10th birthday with some fun costumes to mark all the things we missed in 2020.
Another 10-year-old, Noah Rafferty of Louth, shared his dream of being “the best rock star in the world.”
Noah Rafferty was on the verge of tears when a certain rock star delivered a special gift and message. #LateLateToyShow https://t.co/JEhQKkH838 @ U2 pic.twitter.com/yBqZytxJna
– Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) November 28, 2020
Tubs joined him for a cover of In the Air Tonight, there was definitely something, and his own song, Rock is the Best Medicine. It had a touch of Let Me Entertain You; Noah certainly did. And how does this for a surprise encore? A special message from U2’s The Edge and a signed guitar!
It was a sweet ending to the sweetest program, with 5 million euros, and counting, raised to help children and families in need.
Ryan said goodbye “hoping for better days to come.” It would be difficult to have a better night.
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