We were all envious of Scarlett Butler who got to live out all of our childhood dreams when she appeared on the magical Late Late Toy Show Writes Tara Maher
The ten year old Gaelscoil Carrigaline student was a hit with viewers as she showed host Patrick Kielty all her favourite anime and even gifted the presenter with a portrait of himself. As a thank you, Patrick Kielty and RTÉ presented Scarlett with a professional anime portrait and backdrop which both featured on the live show.
For those unsure of what anime is, it is a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterised by stark colourful graphics and depicts vibrant characters in action-filled plots. It has becoming increasingly popular in Ireland over the last few years.
Scarlett love of anime was born during the Covid pandemic, and has a soft spot for fantasy anime.
“Scarlett was really excited when the toy show applications opened” said Scarlett's mum Dee. “ She has attended her local Starcamp for years and weekly Monforts Musical Theatre classes so popped in an application to perform on the show.”
“She filled in the form all by herself and attached a short video of herself. Weeks passed and we never really expected to hear back from them but we did!”
A producer from RTE called Scarlett in early November, and invited her to Dublin to meet face to face. Scarlett originally applied to sing on the show but producers were so impressed by her personality and asked her to come back and was asked to bring her favourite toys and audition to potentially act as a toy demonstrator on the night.
She was one of 80 kids called back out of almost 4000 applicants.
“We came away not expecting anything, putting it down to a great experience. I made sure she felt spoiled on the day and did a bit of shopping in Dublin, again as we didn’t expect the final call to actually be there on the Toy show night itself!”
Scarlett impressed the producers in Dublin and received another call to tell her she made the live show.
That morning Scarlett made her way to Dublin and alongside her mum Dee, went to RTE studios, where she got to meet the new host Patrick Kielty. “He was so nice” Scarlett said, “He came into the green room a few minutes before the show started and wished us luck”.
Dee also praised the producers and staff at RTE for their professionalism, and for being so kind and friendly to the kids. “They knew all their names and made them feel so special. They even filled them with jellies to keep them awake” Dee laughed.
Scarlett who is used to preforming, didn’t have any nerves before the show but was filled with excitement. After demonstrating her anime, Kielty and RTE presented Scarlett with a professional anime portrait of herself, and a few days later rang her to let her know they would be sending her the backdrop which featured behind her on the show. “Not every kid went home with something, so I felt very lucky to get two presents” Scarlett said.
Scarlett has a new found fame since appearing on the show. She was recognised on the train home to Cork the next day and is set to meet MTU’s Anime Society to discuss all things anime, which she can’t wait for.
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