The final performance under the current Swan board was on Saturday, with amateur productions currently scheduled to return at the end of April.

City council leader, Stephen Inman said Huntingdon Hall, led by director Chris Jaeger, was currently ahead of other prospective management bids.

"We have interviewed several prospective managers for the Swan Theatre and the Huntingdon Hall is currently the preferred bidder at this stage," said Coun Inman.

"At tomorrow's press conference, both the council and the preferred bidder will be able to expand on their plans for a brighter future for the Swan.

"In interview they (Huntingdon Hall) were by far the best, but now they will have to submit business plans during the next few weeks."

Coun Inman said councillors are meeting at the Guildhall at 2.45pm tomorrow, before moving on to meet members of the management team at Huntingdon Hall and hearing a talk from Mr Jaeger.

A cabinet meeting on Tuesday, February 25, will decide if Huntingdon Hall's business plans are up to scratch. Other bidders can still come forward.

Coun Simon Geraghty praised Mr Jaeger's credentials and believed he could bring a good mix of professional and amateur productions to the venue.

"He has done a great job in running Huntingdon Hall, he has a professional angle and is used to running to budget," he said.

"To be honest, I am sure he is the right man for the job and it could be really good news for the Swan."

A spokesman for Huntingdon said they could not say anything fully until tomorrow, but confirmed a Press conference was being held.