Since 1974, the South Cariboo Theatre has been showing films and slinging popcorn for audiences in the heart of gorgeous Cariboo, BC.
After the original cinema owner and operator Dr. Lyon Appleby passed away in 2007, local resident Jacquie McKay took on the project with gusto. In 2021, she led a total renovation: installing laser projection and upgrading the seats to luxury recliners. She maintains the cinema’s old-school charm with real butter on popcorn and smart matching staff outfits.
This month, we spoke with McKay between her busy schedule of running the vibrant single-screen cinema and attending barrel racing events, starting young horses and so much more on her family’s cattle/horse/hay ranch. After all, variety is the spice of life!
What makes South Cariboo Theatre unique?
South Cariboo Theatre is a single-screen cinema in the heart of the Cariboo. We are more than an hour from any other movie theatre, the closest being Paradise Cinemas in Williams Lake.
In 2021, we upgraded to laser projection and transformed our seating to plush leather recliners. Even though the seating upgrade reduced our capacity from 280 to 90, I figured it would be better to have fewer seats but way more comfort. When we have a popular movie, we just run more showtimes!
My staff wears uniforms in the old movie theatre style. Until last spring we even had an usher for seating; he has since moved away.
We only use real butter on our popcorn!
What sort of films do you show?
We play a mix of first and second run movies.
What are South Cariboo Theatre’s greatest challenges?
Trying to please everyone, lol.
The other would be financial challenges especially during the slow movies. This year has been quite challenging, because movies that you expect to be busy, are not. And it eats into any savings or credit that has been set aside.
What are your favourite compliments that South Cariboo Theatre receives from your audience?
Everyone loves our seats, first time customers almost always comment on the uniforms and seats and how the staff is so friendly.
What’s a memorable film screening or event you hosted?
Probably the first week we opened in 2008 when we opened Iron Man and Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.
What are your most popular concession items?
Popcorn, hands down. I have people coming regularly just to buy popcorn. 😃
What projects are you considering for the future?
We are currently working on a Cariboo Idol fundraiser! We’re looking to raise enough funds to replace the original roof, built in 1974.
Tell us about yourself; how did you get your start in film exhibition? And please share about your other life on the ranch!
South Cariboo Theatre was built in 1974, by a Dr. Lyon Appleby, who ran it until he passed away in the fall of 2007. The cinema was closed from September of 2007, and I leased it in May of 2008. With limited funding from Community Futures, and some help from the owner of Paradise Cinema in Williams Lake, we opened July 4, 2008.
After being closed for nine months, the community supported the opening really well! The first movies we played were a split of Iron Man and Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.
After five months, I applied for funding through Community Futures to purchase the building. Over the years, I have done upgrades as could be afforded. When we were forced to close in 2020, I used the government loans to upgrade the seats, side curtains and projector.
My home life is busy, as we are on cattle/horse/hay ranch! Mornings are spent feeding and riding. In the spring we have calving and foaling, and in the summer haying (my husband does the bulk of the work). I attend barrel racing events and clinics, as well as start young horses. Life is busy. 😊
