“Red, Green and Yellow” – a theatre experience that brought children, schools and two countries together

In November, a stage in Peterborough was filled with colour, movement and joy. The musical “Red, Green and Yellow”became far more than just a theatre performance – it was a true celebration of the Polish language, a meeting point for Polish community networks, and an experience that will stay with children, parents, teachers and young performers for a long time.

Due to the huge interest in the event and venue capacity limitations, instead of the two performances originally planned, we delivered three performances, ensuring that as many children as possible could take part. Over 1,000 tickets were booked for the event.

A theatre experience brought directly to children

The audience included children from Peterborough as well as from Spalding, Bedford, Huntingdon, Lincoln and Wisbeach. In cases where schools were unable to organise group transport, information about the performance was shared with parents, many of whom brought their children independently – clearly showing how much events like this, delivered in Polish, are needed in the region.

We were also honoured to welcome representatives of the Polish Educational Society in Great Britain, who were truly impressed by the way such important messages were delivered through theatre.

The performance combined road safety education with live Polish language, music and movement in a joyful, accessible and interactive way. Children were not just spectators – they became active participants in the experience.For many of them, this was their first-ever encounter with Polish theatre.

A remarkable journey for young performers

This project was equally special for the young cast who travelled from Poland to perform in the UK. For four of the young actors, it was their first time flying and their first trip abroad. Their stay in the UK became a meaningful lesson in independence, responsibility and openness to the wider world.

Alongside performing on stage, the young artists:

• experienced everyday life within the Polish community in the UK,

• explored Peterborough and London,

• stayed in a real English home,

• and sampled local food – with fish and chips proving a big hit!

This artistic and life-changing experience was also recognised in Poland, where local media covered the project, highlighting the young actors’ journey and the activities delivered in cooperation with the Barwy Kultury Foundation.

A partnership that made this project possible

The delivery of “Red, Green and Yellow” and the accompanying programme would not have been possible without the support and commitment of the Young Generation Foundation (Fundacja Młode Pokolenia), which acted as the project applicant and was responsible for its formal, organisational and financial delivery.

Thanks to the Foundation’s professional organisational framework, the project was delivered smoothly, partnerships were effectively coordinated, and all activities were implemented to a high logistical and educational standard. This collaboration is a clear example of how shared vision, trust and experience can translate into real social and educational impact.

Theatre as a bridge

“Red, Green and Yellow” demonstrated the powerful role that theatre in the Polish language can play – especially beyond Poland’s borders. It became a bridge connecting children with their language, families with culture, Saturday schools with one another, and young artists with both Poland and the Polish diaspora.

For the Polish Music Centre, this was one of those moments that reaffirm why we do what we do: creating spaces where the Polish language can live, grow and bring joy.

We would like to thank all schools, teachers, parents, children and partners for their trust and for sharing this exceptional experience with us.This was more than a performance. It was a shared journey.