If converted into a graph, the efforts of Pershore Theatre Arts Association (PTAA) would show come very pronounced highs and lows.

The dream at times must have seemed nothing but a mirage. No more so than when carefully drawn-up plans were submitted to the town and district councils, only to see them put off for even further information or totally rejected.

'Guarded support for theatre plans' was the headline in September 1996, from a meeting of the town council in the early stages of the project. In October, costs of £3m led to Wychavon district councillor John Payne to describe it as a pipe dream.

'Theatre project under the microscope' in November 1996 recorded a decision by the town council to vote against financial commitment but set up a working party to study the finances. A second vote, 7-6, later that month underpinned the decision, with the council saying it was too great a risk to take.

Almost immediately, Michael Krier, then head at Pershore High School, came up with the idea of enlarging the studio at the school as a cost-effective and relatively cheap option. In January 1997, the town council agreed to support the arts centre plan but could not agree on a town centre location.

'New letdown for arts plan' was the headline in March 1997 when Wychavon's arts sub-committee decided against buying the building, then in June 1997 the town council again rejected a request to pledge £50,000 towards a scheme.

The PTAA came up with a reshaped bid for a cheaper, self-supporting theatre run by volunteers in July 1997 and, in early 1998, Wychavon decided to explore the purchase of the town centre site.

A major threat to the theatre hopes came in February 1998 when another offer was put in for the building. The next month Wychavon went against the advice of its officers, who favoured the High School option, and put in a bid, accepted in June.

Acoustic tests then ruled out the use of a building as a theatre but, PTAA members said, it was not a problem as the work would be done after the first three years.

In September 1998, Wychavon granted the PTAA a five-year lease and the group applied to the National Lottery for grant aid.

Planning permission was granted the following month.