After decades of offering cinematic experiences to the local community, the Duncan Caprice Theatre has announced its permanent closure as of December 30th.
This closure marks the end of an era for a venue that has been a staple in the area for many years.
Originally opened in 1982 as the Caprice Twin under the ownership of Caprice Entertainment, the theater boasted a seating capacity of 665, with auditorium 1 accommodating 372 patrons and auditorium 2 seating 293.
Over time, the theatre underwent changes in ownership and rebranding, evolving into the Criterion Twin Theatre after a sale in 2009.
Subsequently, in 2014, it was taken over by the Hollywood 3 Cinemas chain and renamed Caprice Duncan, becoming a hub for first-run attractions.
The closure announcement was made via the theater’s social media platforms, where the management expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the past 10 years.
The message conveyed both appreciation and sadness, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing the deep emotional impact it has had on the staff and management.
“On behalf of all of us at Caprice Cinemas Duncan, we would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who supported us over the last 10 years. We could not have done it without you! Yes, unfortunately, you’ve heard right and we will be closed permanently as of December 30th, 2023. This was not an easy decision and we understand it was sudden, but know that we are all absolutely devastated by it. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for 10 fabulous years. We will miss all of your smiling faces (Please keep the comments positive and light. Should you have questions or concerns, please DM us. Thank you)”
The announcement garnered an outpouring of support and nostalgia from patrons, reflecting the theater’s significance as a communal space for shared entertainment experiences.
Many expressed sadness at the sudden closure and reminisced about the cherished memories created within its walls.
‘A sad closure of an iconic space with many good memories. Loved the small town feel. May you move forward knowing many appreciated you,” said Dom Daviau.
While the reasons behind the closure were not explicitly stated in the announcement, shifts in consumer preferences, evolving entertainment landscapes, and economic challenges faced by the industry have often contributed to the closure of traditional theaters in recent years.
“This breaks my heart. Thank you for having your doors open for our community for such a long time,” said Anita M Seymour.
The closure of the Duncan Caprice Theatre represents not just the end of a business but also the end of an institution that held a special place in the hearts of many.
As the curtains draw to a close, the legacy of this beloved theater will undoubtedly live on through the memories and experiences it provided to the community over the years.
