Teh countdown has truly begun for the most magical television night of the year but Toy Show host Patrick Kielty is well aware that this is more than just a night of fun and games – it’s also all about the festive feels.
The Co Down man will be making his third appearance as MC of what has long been an Irish institution this Friday night and he has a sense of the importance of the show, saying “there is an inter-generational nostalgia and sense of connection” to the evening.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, he said: “There is an element of Irish Thanksgiving to the Toy Show, it’s a base camp for Christmas where families get together without the pressure of who’s cooking what and who’s coming over.
“the emotion comes with the anticipation and build-up and I think the Toy Show does something for Ireland that othre countries don’t have, which is we’re now together, it’s time to look forward to this event and almost to give thanks for what we’ve got as we roll into this.”
Patrick kielty: “There is an element of Irish Thanksgiving to the Toy Show”
From small beginnings as a thirty-minute slot in 1975, the Toy Show has become a phenomenon, watched globally by an audience of well over a million every year.
Over the past two Christmases, Kielty has hit his stride as the latest host. He has blissfully ignored the old showbiz injunction that you should never work with children or cuddly toys and gone with the flow, making the show all about the real stars – the children of Ireland.
Asked if he has gotten the hang of it yet, he says, “Do you ever get the hang of it? I would say that the thing about the toy Show is that because the title is the same every year, you can fool yourself into thinking that you think you’re going to be making the same show, so you should know what you’re doing.
“but you’re essentially starting from scratch every year – you’re doing a different show every year,which is exciting and kind of terrifying but less so as you go along.”
And this is the kind of live, by-the-seat-of-your pants television where mistakes and bloopers actually add to the gaiety of the nation and the watching world.
“Look, this is a show you can’t plan and it’s all the better for it.”
“If you could publish that, that would be great!” Kielty laughs. “If you could just get that out there, our work is done here. Look, this is a show you can’t plan and it’s all the better for it. Script-wise, kids-wise, what you might ask, what they might say… so going with the flow is a good approach.
“But I think the other thing is if things do go wrong, people will forgive you for it… I think for the night that’s in it. There’s goodwill towards the show so that helps.”
Of course, from the very excited kids and equally excited adults in studio and watching on at home, it all looks like it’s herding cats so planning for the Toy Show begins very early every year.
“I had the first call about this year’s show in June and by the time we came back in August, we had already decided the theme,” Kielty says. “This year’s theme involved a good bit of preparation – there’s been prosthetic fitt
Patrick Kielty on Continuing the Legacy of The Late Late While Reflecting a Changing Ireland
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Patrick Kielty, the current host of Ireland’s long-running talk show The Late Late, emphasizes the importance of honoring the show’s history while acknowledging the evolving tastes of its audience. In a recent interview, Kielty discussed his approach to the program, highlighting its enduring role as a reflection of Irish society. He also underscored the need for the show to adapt to remain relevant in a changing media landscape.
Honoring History and embracing Change
Kielty recognizes the deep emotional connection Irish viewers have with The Late Late. He stated, “I think that one of the things that you always have to remember is that with a show like the Late Late, we are so emotionally attached to it and we are emotionally attached to the history of the show.” However, he also points out that the show’s original host, gay Byrne, began with a blank slate.
“He was going into space for the first time,” Kielty explained. “It was a fledgling TV nation that was actually doing something new and different.” This perspective informs Kielty’s approach: to continue the tradition of reflecting Ireland,but to understand that Ireland itself is constantly changing.
Adapting to a New media Landscape
Kielty acknowledges that viewing habits have shifted, offering audiences more choices for Friday night entertainment. he didn’t set out to make drastic changes, but believes that stagnation is detrimental. “I don’t think I came in with change in my mind. But I think if you’re not moving forward, you’re going nowhere.” This suggests a commitment to evolving the show’s format and content to meet the demands of a modern audience.
The Late Late Toy Show and Beyond
The Late Late continues to be a cultural touchstone in Ireland, and the annual Late Late Toy Show remains a notably beloved tradition. This year’s Late Late Toy Show will air on December 5th on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/tv/late-late-toy-show/
Key Takeaways:
* Respect for Tradition: Kielty understands the past importance of The Late Late and its place in Irish culture.
* Reflection of Society: The show’s core mission remains to reflect the current state of Ireland.
* Adaptability is Key: Kielty recognizes the need for the show to evolve to stay relevant in a changing media environment.
* The Toy Show Continues: The annual Late Late Toy Show remains a highlight of the Irish television calendar.
The Late Late‘s continued success will likely depend on its ability to balance honoring its rich history with embracing innovation and reflecting the ever-changing face of Ireland. As Kielty suggests,moving forward is essential,ensuring the show remains a vital part of the Irish cultural landscape for years to come.