Tony Hillery has always had a love of theatre. After high school, he found it difficult to choose between his two passions: performing and nursing. In the end, he decided on a career in nursing but was committed to keeping his love of theatre alive. Shortly after arriving in Melbourne from Brisbane, Tony met his future husband, Warwick Eddington, and their shared love of the performing arts brought them together.
The first Melbourne Theatre Company show the pair saw together was Life x3, a captivating production that explored different perspectives of the same event, leaving the audience questioning which reality had truly taken place. Tony and Warwick were immediately hooked.
Tony Hillery and Warwick Eddington.
Over the years, they have seen countless productions, making it difficult to choose a single favourite.
‘I’ve got a list!’ Tony laughs. ‘Doubt absolutely blew my mind. You leave the theatre with exactly that – doubt – as to what actually happened. It was so clever how they did that. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was another highlight. The Drowsy Chaperone, The Architect, Neighbourhood Watch featuring the phenomenal Robyn Nevin, and more recently Meet Me at Dawn, which I found deeply moving.’
‘Certain actors have also left a lasting impression on me. Nikki Shiels captivates me in every performance I’ve seen her in, and Nadine Garner holds a special place in my heart.’
Tony believes there’s something uniquely powerful about live theatre that TV and movies simply can’t replicate. The pair also thoroughly enjoy the discussions that follow after the play has concluded.
Tony and Warwick began their relationship with the Company as subscribers, then Donors, and have now made the incredible decision to leave a gift in their Will to Melbourne Theatre Company.
‘We thought about the things that mattered most to us. We realised how much joy theatre has brought into our lives – we think the productions at MTC are fantastic and want to help keep them going. Leaving a bequest to the Company felt like the perfect way to ensure future generations can feel the same enjoyment we have been lucky enough to experience.’
The knowledge that their gift will be invested in the Company’s General Endowment Fund (GEF), is also a source of pride for the couple. The annual income generated by the GEF contributes to Melbourne Theatre Company’s ongoing sustainability, ensuring remarkable theatre for future generations and a bold cultural legacy for our city.
For Tony and Warwick, one of the biggest highlights of supporting the Company is having the opportunity to attend donor events throughout the year. They love to meet and mingle with the cast and creative team – providing them insight into the production and a deeper understanding of each actor’s craft.
These events have also led to the pair forming meaningful friendships within the donor community. Recognising their deep love for theatre, some of Tony and Warwick’s friends dedicated a seat to them in the Sumner Theatre, ensuring they would always have a place in the audience.
Melbourne Theatre Company is immensely grateful to Tony and Warwick, and our generous community of Legacy Circle Donors, whose contributions will help keep exceptional works of art on our stages for many years to come.
If Melbourne Theatre Company has played an important role in your life, we invite you to play a role in its future. Please donate today to help us secure the future of theatre - so we can continue to create unforgettable moments, powerful performances and stories that inspire.
To learn more about leaving a gift to Melbourne Theatre Company in your Will, visit mtc.com.au/leave-a-legacy or call Meaghan Donaldson, Annual Giving Manager, on 03 8688 0938 for a confidential chat.
Published on 2 May 2025
