IT’S THAT TIME of year again – get ready to light the fire, draw the curtains, and forget about the cold and dark  for a few hours: the Late Late Toy Show is coming.

More than 200 performers and demonstrators in this year’s show, the theme of which is to be loosely based on the movie Shrek. A spectacular performance of the hit song from the film will open the show, according to RTÉ.

The show will feature a special toy section to cater for children living in apartments, with Aston and Kayleigh – who featured in the RTÉ documentary Apartment Kids – advising viewers about toys that work in small spaces.

The more sentimental among us will be pleased to hear that some old favourites. like the Cabbage Patch Kids and Furby, are back in vogue.  Meanwhile, 007 will features with a special section on gadget toys with RTÉ’s very own James Bond, Anton Giltrap from Co Kildare.

As usual, Irish-made toys of great value will feature toy testers (ranged in age from 4 – 11) will chat to Ryan about the best books around.

The Toy Show team has also put together some supergroups who will be performing well-known hits on the night.