I'll Tell You This for Nothing - My Mother the War Hero (Wellington, New Zealand)

"I'll Tell You This for Nothing has so many things going for it, it's hard for a reviewer to know where to start." - Tim Stevenson, Theatreview

Why did France award its highest accolade for exceptional courage - the Legion d'Honneur - to Phyllis, a little-known Kiwi woman from Ireland?

I’ll Tell You This for Nothing - My Mother the War Hero  recounts that untold WW2 tale in a 65 minute solo performance written and acted by her daughter, Kate JasonSmith. 

Army nurse Phyllis was sent to the front lines, finding the love of her life. One of numerous nurses who risked their lives in the war - why was Phyllis honoured?

War, courage, romance and danger - potent ingredients for fine drama - and Phyllis was a great raconteur.

Kate, an award-winning director and actor, has worked with dramaturge Deb Filler and director Jan Bolwell to craft this dramatic and often humorous tale of her mother's life. 

Invited to perform at the prestigious Assembly for the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I’ll Tell You This for Nothing - My Mother the War Hero has received rave reviews.

"I’ll Tell You This for Nothing has so many things going for it, it’s hard for a reviewer to know where to start. First up, it’s a tremendous story ... a balance between personal experience and the larger historical events through which Phyllis moves. ... Versatile, skilled and charismatic, Kate JasonSmith’s performance is a mighty achievement in its own right." - Tim Stevenson, Theatreview

“This really is a superb piece of writing, and I hope it will go on and on. It needs to be told and retold”.  - Pinky Agnew

Congratulations on your huge achievement. This is a very special piece and should have a long life. Hurrah! - Sunny Amey

"A quite memorable evening in the theatre…exceeded all my expectations with this finely etched and deeply felt story. Packed with meticulous research, but seldom didactic, your work held the audience from start to finish. I do congratulate you both, not forgetting the splendid team you gathered for the play. Stunning!" - Ralph McAlister

"A tour de force! Great work Kate!" - Gaylene Preston

"Loved seeing I'll tell you this for Nothing - a terrific story and wonderfully told by you. LOVED all the characters - your mother especially and father and of course Kersey. A gorgeous night in the theatre!!! BRAVO!!!!" - Colleen McColl