It’s that time of year again as we relive our childhoods to sit down and watch The Late Late Toy Show with our new pyjamas on and a hot chocolate (or a glass of bubbly) in hand.
The Toy Show is the cultural must-watch event of the year, with many a family and friends playing little games along with the show.
Will there be a toy that breaks? Will there be a sassy child? How many Christmas jumpers will Patrick Kielty wear and will they be as geeky as Ryan’s used to be?
Pic: Andres Poveda
Will there be a crash during the vehicle parade? Will Patrick Kielty avoid all soft drinks to prevent another Fanta-gate?
One aspect that viewers are always keen to discover over the years is the theme, which sees the host dress up in some very well made costumes.
While we get ready for this year’s show, we decided to take a look back at some of the most memorable ones from over the years.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2024: Home Alone
Patrick Kielty with Louis Hanna, 6, on set of the 2024 Late Late Toy Show. Pic: Andres Poveda
The 2024 Toy Show channelled one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time: Home Alone.
The set was created by the RTÉ production designers and was fantastic looking — it included Kevin’s kitchen, sitting room, treehouse, and Buzz’s bedroom, and oozed 90s nostalgia.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2023: Elf
Patrick Kielty as Elf in the 2023 Late Late Toy Show Pic: RTE
Patrick Kielty’s first Late Late Toy Show was themed on the hit Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell movie, Elf! At the time, Kielty called it a ‘massive honour’ to be the one at the helm and was ‘pretty excited’ for the show to kick off.
Fans thoroughly enjoyed his debut outing, with it being the most-watched programme on RTE that year, with 1,575,800 viewers.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2022: The Wizard Of Oz
The Late Late Toy Show 2022 Pic: Andres Poveda
While we didn’t know it at the time, The Wizard of Oz was to be Ryan Tubridy’s final Late Late Toy Show. The set was designed with the trademark yellow-brick road, an Emerald City palace and even a house with some feet sticking out under it.
It’s an iconic film that we’re surprised hadn’t been used as a theme before now, but there are always quite a few to choose from and there can only be one per year after all…
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2021: The Lion King
The Late Late Toy Show Pic: Andres Poveda
Similar to our feelings about The Wizard of Oz theme, how did it take so long for the Toy Show to channel The Lion King on the Late Late stage? The iconic film lends itself brilliantly to the fun and fanciful theme and in 2021, it was its time to shine.
And, let’s face it, who could forget seeing Ryan Tubridy dressed as Timon? Genius!
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2020: Roald Dahl
Ryan Tubridy as Fantastic Mr Fox Pic: Andres Poveda
Ryan Tubridy pruned his whiskers, brushed off his tail, and led the charge as the enigmatic Fantastic Mr Fox in 2020’s opening number featuring favourites from the world of Roald Dahl including Matilda, and Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompas (marking 10 years since Ryan’s first musical outing), and a nod to James and the Giant Peach.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2019: Frozen
Ryan Tubridy as Olaf for the opening Frozen-themed sequence at The Late Late Toy Show 2019 Pic: Andres Poveda
A sight we never knew we needed in our lives was seeing Ryan Tubridy dresses as Olaf the snowman from Frozen. With Frozen 2 only out a few weeks by the time the Toy Show rolled around, it was nearly a foregone conclusion that it would be the theme that year.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2018: The Greatest Showman
Ryan Tubridy dressed as the Ring Master for the Toy Show Pic: Andres Poveda
This year, the Late Late Show was turned into a circus ring with Ryan Tubridy as the ring master and what an opening it was. While Ryan openly admits he’s not the greatest singer, he sure gave it one hell of a go and the overall opening number was phenomenal.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2017: The Little Mermaid
Ryan Tubridy dressed as Sebastian from the The Little Mermaid for the opening performance of the The Late Late Toy Show 2017 Pic: Andres Poveda
Back in 2017, it was The Little Mermaid’s turn as the opening number and we have to say, Under the Sea is a pretty good theme to plan around. Not to mention the sight of Ryan Tubridy dressed as Sebastian the Crab gave us many a giggle.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2016: The Jungle Book
Ryan Tubridy pictured in the opening sequence of RTÉ The Late Late Toy Show 2016 Pic: Andres Poveda
Now…. we can’t quite tell if Ryan was dressed as Baloo the bear or a giant koala for The Jungle Book but either way, it was a great costume and tied in with the release of Jon Favreau’s Jungle Book.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2015: Beauty and the Beast
Ryan Tubridy as ‘Lumiere’ on the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ themed The Late Late Toy Show 2015 Pic: Andres Poveda
Back in 2015, Ryan invited audience to Be Out Guest during the Beauty and the Beast-themed opening number. He was dressed as Lumiere for the event and if ever there was an ideal song for the Toy Show opening, it was this one.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2014: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ryan Tubridy during the opening performance of The Late Late Toy Show in 2014. Pic: RTÉ
Muscials have been the core theme throughout Ryan Tubridy’s tenure as Late Late Toy Show host and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of the most iconic from people’s childhoods.
And let’s face it, who didn’t want to go for a ride in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car!
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2013: Mary Poppins
Ryan Tubridy during the Toy Show in 2013. Pic: RTÉ
Similar to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins is an iconic musical that is dear to people’s hearts, making it a perfect Toy Show theme.
And we have to say, Ryan really did suit the Bert look.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2012: Shrek
Ryan Tubridy during the Toy Show in 2012. Pic: RTÉ
While he didn’t dress up as the titular character himself (or at least, we don’t think he did), Toy Show fans went back to the swamp for some Shrek fun, complete with Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2011: Toy Story
Ryan Tubridy as Woody on The Late Late Toy Show Pic: Andres Poveda
If there was ever a cartoon character that oddly fits Ryan Tubridy, it’s that of Woody from Toy Story. He channeled the toy cowboy with ease and was a great opening number too.
The Late Late Toy Show Theme 2010: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Ryan Tubridy alongside some of the children appearing on the show in 2010. Pic: James Horan/Collins Photos
Tubs was the first host to sing on the Toy Show and performed a song from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What has been your favourite theme from the Late Late Toy Show? Let us know in the comments.
