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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Gallagher

Everything you need to know about RTÉ's Toy Show The Musical - from Bridgerton stars to storyline - as bosses tease it to 'blow minds'

Toy Show The Musical’s boss said the production is going to ‘blow people’s minds’.

This brand-new Irish musical, based on the annual RTE show, promises to sweep audiences along on one little girl's adventure as everyone in her town prepares for the Toy Show on the biggest night of the year.

The musical is a festive celebration of the uniquely Irish event that has become the official starting point of Christmas for Irish people all over the world.

Read more: RTE Late Late Show lineup in full as music legends and sporting icons to appear

Producer Jane Murphy has teed up the show, saying: "This is going to blow people’s minds. I don’t think anyone’s going to expect what we’re going to roll out here. It’s led by a staggering creative team.”

And here’s everything you need to know about the brand new extra before the stars make their debut this December.

What is it?

The brainchild of two Late Late Show producers - Jane Murphy and Katherine Drohan - Toy Show The Musical turns a familiar tradition into a magical, theatrical event that brings the magic of the Toy Show to life on stage and digs deeper into the heart of the beloved show.

Director Séimí Campbell said: “"It is the story of a family, and there is something in that. In placing the magic on the sofa, instead of trying to replicate the magic of the studio.”

What is the storyline?

The plot follows twelve-year-old Nell Mooney as she tries to recreate her mammy's favourite Toy Show night traditions.

But not everyone in her family wants to remember the past. Disaster strikes, and with the entire Toy Show in jeopardy, Nell and the local kids must find a way to save the night and keep everyone’s favourite TV show alive.

Who is in it?

Toy Show the Musical will feature some of Ireland’s most well-known stage and screen actors in the lead adult roles.

Bridgeton and Derry Girls star Jamie Beamish will play the role of Dad, aka Brendan Mooney, the father of the lead character of the musical Nell.

Fair City’s Clare Barrett has been cast to play Nell's Mam, Áine Mooney.

The role of Nana will be played by Anna Healy (The Spin, The Last Return, Mother’s Day and Emmerdale).

Three young and coming Irish superstars were announced last week during a special Late Late Show reveal as the lead character of Nell in RTÉ’s Toy Show The Musical. Ceola Dunne, Clare Keely and Doireann McNally will play the role of Nell Mooney.

Ceola Dunne from Meath, Doireann McNally from Louth and Clare Keely from Armagh to play Nell in RTÉ Toy Show The Musical (Andres Poveda)

Producer Katharine Drohan said: “Nell was kind of born out of Toy Show kids and their stories over the years - she is a really beautiful, brave, cheeky and engaging little girl."

She said that finding new Irish talent has been a priority for the team behind the Musical, along with casting director Maureen Hughes, and with Ceola, Clare and Doireann, they feel confident they’ve found Ireland’s next stars.

When and Where?

The musical opens on December 10 at The Convention Centre, Dublin.

Tickets are priced from €25 online.

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