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CAPITOL THEATRE, MANUKA - NFSA-ID: - 711479 YEAR: 1927

Canberra’s first purpose-built cinema was the Capitol Theatre, which opened in 1927 with more than 1,000 seats.

It presented a mixed program of theatrical acts and films, a formula that was popular for many years.

The Capitol was managed by Franklyn Barrett, a well-known former film producer, director and cinematographer. The original building was demolished in 1980 and Event Cinemas, Manuka now stands on the site.

In May 2020, Manuka’s Capitol Cinema announced it would not be reopening after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. - Notes by Stephen Groenewegen and Adam Blackshaw

Contributed by Greg Lynch -