The Sunset Theatre opened its doors on 6 December 1934. It was built by Anderson/Stromberg under the instructions of Fred Wells for the purpose of movies, live theatre and music events until the late 1930’s.

With the demand for movies growing, the Sunset Theatre was replaced by the Lode Theatre and the Sunset was converted to British Columbia’s first licensed gambling hall called the Dominion Club. This too eventually closed due to hard times and a dwindling economy. Over the years the Sunset Theatre changed hands several times and eventually reverted to the crown for back taxes as the building sat empty and declined into disrepair.

On 21 June 1975, the Wells Historical Society reopened the Sunset as a movie theatre and occasionally offered live performances by traveling musicians. However, lack of heat, uncomfortable chairs and a sagging foundation proved to be too great a liability and eventually the doors were closed for good, with the property remaining in the hands of the crown.

The Sunset Theatre sat vacant until Karen Jeffery (nee Planden) heard about the theatre and purchased it in 1999. With the on-going dream of owning her own live theatre, it was love at first sight. Undeterred by its failing condition, Karen believed there was something innately special about this quaint 100 seat theatre in the middle of nowhere. Since then, Karen, along with her husband Dave Jeffery have dedicated their summers to carefully restoring the theatre to its former splendor.

This dream has been met with many obstacles: from discovering the theatre was never hooked into the main sewage system to the need for installing a new cement foundation ready for professional dressing rooms plus a new roof and wiring. Additionally, the lobby and concession have been totally refurbished complete with public washrooms. The Mezzanine floor was extended to house a technical booth equipped for professional live theatre.

To date, this labour of love has been personally funded by David and Karen Jeffery with the goal of presenting and producing world class theatre to the people and visitors of the Cariboo.

With the eventual installation of a furnace, the Sunset Theatre’s programming will include a retreat for professional theatre companies.

Here are some highlights from the Sunset Theatre's past.

• 1934 The theatre was built by Anderson/Stromberg and financed by Fred Wells, Owner, Founder and Proprietor of the Gold Quartz Mine.
• 1935 A new Sunset Theatre sign and awning were installed because of that year's heavy snowfall.
• The Sunset Theatre was closed sometime in the late 1930s and was renamed The Dominion Club and turned into a gambling hall.
• 1940 The 400 seat Lode Theatre was built by then owner C.D. Hoy.
• 1947 The Sunset Theatre was used as a temporary morgue after the mining disaster that lead to the eventual closing of the gold and quartz mine.
• 1960s The Wells Historical Society occupied the theatre to house a museum.
• 1972 the Wells Historical Society opens the Sunset as a movie theatre.
• 1998, Karen Planden, while Executive Director of the Vancouver Fringe Festival purchases the building.
• 2005, has some impromptu programming initiated by Island Mountain Arts.

Since opening its doors in 2006 for regular programming the Sunset Theatre has presented 11 professional plays, dozens of musicians, ran a development series, a film series and has been a rental venue for local groups.