RTÉ Radio One’s Shay Byrne has said he is delighted to be narrating The Snowman this year at the National Concert Hall.
The Risin’ Time presenter said: “I'm delighted to be narrating The Snowman this year. I used to watch it every year on TV so it's a story I know very well.
"My own three children Holly, nine, Jack, seven, and Katie, four will be coming to see the show and they can be very harsh critics!
"It's an exciting weekend. We have eight shows; four on Saturday [December 15], four on Sunday [December 16] and there over 8,000 people coming to the NCH, [which] has been decorated for the occasion including a giant Christmas tree in the foyer.
"It just says ‘Christmas’ as you walk through the door!”
Radio One's Risin' Time presenter Shay Byrne with The Snowman!
Talking about his role at the sold-out performances, he said: "It's quite a responsibility. The Snowman is very close to people hearts and for many it's the only Christmas event they will attend.
"The producer Lloyd Byrne, and the team from the National Concert Hall have been working very hard on the show for months now so all the elements are in place for a really great event.
"The show of course features The Snowman animated film but we also have a full orchestra on stage as well as our own troupe of fabulous young dancers. Even Santa drops in for a visit and a song!"
Byrne also has other plans at the live events: "I get up every morning at 4.10am to host my daily programme Risin’ Time on RTE Radio 1 so I've been rehearsing in the evenings at home.
"My wife Linda knows The Snowman story [where a young boy's snowman comes to life] nearly better than I do! I told [my] listeners about it a few weeks ago and many of them have sent emails and texts saying they are coming along so I'm looking forward to meeting as many as I can after the show."
The Snowman will be presented in the National Concert Hall this Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16 at 12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm.
The Snowman is on in the National Concert Hall this weekend for eight sold-out shows
