How To Give Up On Your Dreams

Walking away isn't always bad, sometimes it's the most powerful thing you can do. Join the laughter, storytelling, and unexpected dance moves in Meg Chizek's hilarious and vulnerable quest to find her purpose in life. As she twirls through rejection, chassés into conformity, and even joins a dance cult - every pirouette leaves her with existential dread, forcing her to answer the ultimate question: what happens when your dreams don't come true?

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The direction is clear, confident, and has a strong sense of self. It never feels muddled in its intent, which is refreshing for a show that’s literally about confusion and self-discovery. There’s an honesty to the way it’s staged — it knows exactly what it wants to say, and for the most part, it says it well. The pacing is well-judged, the transitions are clean, and it keeps the energy flowing even through the quieter, more introspective beats. It’s the kind of direction that makes you feel you’re in capable hands — a good balance between structure and spontaneity, which suits Meg’s brand of candid chaos perfectly.

The choreography is, quite literally, on point (forgive the pun, but it’s too fitting to resist). The movement sequences are playful, expressive, and often infused with humor that keeps the show light on its feet. There’s a physical storytelling quality that adds layers to the narrative — each step and gesture feels like part of Meg’s emotional vocabulary. That said, not every musical number feels entirely necessary; a couple could probably be trimmed without losing much. Still, when the choreography hits, it hits — it’s joyful, well-executed, and gives the show a pulse that carries it through even when the book wavers.

The set design embraces simplicity, and it’s all the stronger for it. A single chair, a projected background, and a few carefully chosen props might not sound like much, but it’s a testament to how less can truly be more. The projection design adds visual variety and helps transport us through different locations and emotional states, from the mundane to the surreal. The multimedia integration — especially the PowerPoint segment — lands beautifully, offering one of the show’s funniest and most memorable moments. It’s the kind of creative touch that gives fringe theatre its charm: inventive, resourceful, and very self-aware.

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The lighting is minimal but purposeful. While it doesn’t go out of its way to dazzle, it supports the mood shifts and transitions effectively. It’s not flashy — but then again, it doesn’t need to be. The story is about vulnerability and imperfection, and the lighting reflects that honesty. The sound design is mostly effective. Dialogue and songs are clear and balanced once the show begins, though I did notice the pre-show music was unusually quiet — a small but notable detail, as those opening moments can really set the tone. Once things got going, though, the audio quality was perfectly fine, and the musical sections came through with good clarity.

Moving on to costume, Meg’s main outfit — a striking black glittery showbiz dress — perfectly captures the show’s theme: a blend of glamour and grit. It’s both theatrical and vulnerable, sparkling under the lights while hinting at the weariness of chasing dreams. The addition of a jacket at certain moments adds just enough variety to keep the visuals interesting. It’s a smart, simple, and effective costume choice that works beautifully for a solo performer navigating multiple emotional shifts.

The book is where things get interesting. The premise is strong — the idea of exploring failure and reinvention is rich with potential. There’s a nice flow and pacing overall, and Meg’s voice as a writer shines through in her wit and vulnerability. However, there are moments that feel slightly disconnected or don’t quite land as intended. The narrative seems to know its general destination but occasionally wanders off the path, as though it’s still figuring out how to tie its themes together. That said, the show’s meta-theatrical nods and musical theatre references are delightful. Fans of the genre will absolutely appreciate the winks and nods to Broadway and beyond. Personally, I would’ve loved a few more of these — they’re the kind of details that make this show sparkle. As for the stickers? A fun idea in theory, but in practice, they didn’t quite fit the tone.

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When it comes to performance, Meg Chizek absolutely delivers. As a performer, she’s charismatic, grounded, and wholly authentic. There’s an undeniable charm in the way she shares her story — it feels honest, raw, and funny in all the right places. You can sense that she’s not just performing about herself; she’s performing through herself, which makes it all the more engaging. Even when the material wobbles, Meg’s energy and timing hold the show together. She has a knack for finding humor in discomfort and beauty in imperfection, which is what keeps the audience rooting for her throughout. It’s a heartfelt, sincere performance that makes you feel like you’re being told a story by a friend — one who’s lived it, laughed about it, and still doesn’t have all the answers.

How To Give Up On Your Dreams is a show that dances (literally and figuratively) on the line between comedy and confession. It’s funny, it’s self-aware, and it’s full of heart. It doesn’t always hit every mark — there are moments where it feels a little unsure of itself — but maybe that’s the point. It’s a show about imperfection, after all. With a strong central performance, some genuinely clever staging, and choreography that brings a grin to your face, this piece captures the bittersweet beauty of letting go. If you’re a fan of musical theatre, self-deprecating humor, and honest storytelling, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here — even if not everything sticks the landing. It’s a glittery, heartfelt reminder that sometimes giving up isn’t failure; it’s just finding a new way to dance.

If your interested in this show, then you can get your tickets through the link here: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/howtogiveuponyourdreams/