Capitol Theatre is reclaiming its original role as a cinematic landmark with the launch of Classics At Capitol, a new programme of regular film screenings starting February 22. After years of hosting concerts, conferences, and society weddings, the nearly century-old venue is switching its projector back on — returning to what it was built for in 1930: the magic of the silver screen. The programme runs until April 28, with plans to potentially establish Capitol Theatre as a permanent home for restored classic films in Singapore.
Curated by local film writer and researcher Ben Slater, the line-up features a carefully selected roster of restored cinematic greats, all screened in crisp 4K within Singapore’s last surviving pre-war movie palace. Titles include Singin’ In The Rain, Lawrence Of Arabia, and Hitchcock’s North By Northwest — films chosen not just for nostalgia, but for their enduring cultural and visual impact. It’s a rare chance to experience these classics as they were meant to be seen, in a grand theatre steeped in history.
This revival marks a meaningful new chapter for Capitol Theatre, an architectural gem in the civic and cultural district with a storied past. Once graced by legends like Charlie Chaplin and Ava Gardner, the theatre closed in 1998 before reopening in 2015 as a flexible events venue. With Classics At Capitol, the landmark reconnects with its cinematic roots — reaffirming its place as a living cultural institution, where heritage, film, and contemporary city life converge once more.
