Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley secured an emergency injunction Thursday to prevent potential interference with a planned 30th anniversary show in Dublin, a performance already thrown into chaos by a legal battle over control of the production.
Lawyers for the 67-year-old dancer and choreographer obtained the temporary order at the High Court in Belfast after a solicitor for Switzer Consulting Ltd announced the Thursday night performance at the 3Arena had been cancelled “with immediate effect” due to the ongoing dispute.
Legal Wrangling Threatens Anniversary Show
The dispute centers on a July 2024 service agreement between Flatley and Switzer Consulting Ltd, with the firm claiming he breached the contract regarding the touring operation of the multi-million pound stage show. Flatley, however, has formally terminated his contract with the firm.
What is the core of the dispute? Switzer Consulting Ltd alleges Michael Flatley violated their agreement to oversee the Lord of the Dance tour, while Flatley claims the firm is hindering the show’s production.
Last week, a judge lifted an interim ban preventing Flatley from participating in upcoming shows. A trial regarding the matter is expected later this year, even as Flatley pursues a counterclaim against Switzer.
The injunction sought to prevent any interference with the production’s operation, including the handover of sets and costumes. Mr. Justice Simpson agreed to issue an interim order pending a further hearing where Switzer’s legal team can present their arguments.
Flatley welcomed the High Court’s decision in a statement following the injunction.
Financial Concerns and Allegations Surface
The legal battle unfolds as 268 performances of Lord of the Dance are scheduled across Europe and North America. Switzer Consulting Ltd contends that Flatley’s actions have jeopardized these shows. The court previously learned that Flatley received nearly £430,000 in royalties within a 15-month period after signing the deal.
The arrangement reportedly began to deteriorate towards the end of 2025 when Flatley attempted to restructure the setup, described as “going on a solo run.” Concerns were also raised about a separate businessman holding rights to the music featured in Lord of the Dance potentially halting performances if nearly $3 million US dollars owed to him are not repaid.
The letter stated, “Many promoters were reluctant to deal with Michael directly as he has an industry-wide reputation for not paying his bills.” It further claimed Flatley feigned ignorance to avoid debt obligations and used other people’s money to project an image of wealth.
“Since 2019 Michael has lived the lifestyle of a Monaco millionaire without the funds to do so,” the letter alleged. “In the bluntest terms he was faking it on a multi-million euro scale.”
His former business associate asserted that Flatley made “horrendous” business decisions, incurring millions in debt despite lacking income. The associate cited examples such as borrowing €75,000 for a birthday party and €50,000 for a Monaco yacht club membership.
Control and Financial Stability Questioned
During the injunction application, claims surfaced regarding an attempt to replace Switzer with a newly formed entity, Feet of Flames. Flatley’s legal team countered that a deed of trust demonstrates his controlling shareholding in Switzer, arguing the firm is only entitled to a management agent’s fee of £35,000 monthly, rising to £40,000 after two years.
Mr. Justice Simpson was informed that attacks on Flatley’s character and business acumen were irrelevant to the case. Flatley’s team argued he relied on his former financial advisor, who informed him the agreement restored full ownership of the business.
Questions were raised about Switzer’s financial standing, with claims it had no listed employees or funds until last Saturday, when new accounts revealed net assets exceeding £2 million. Concerns about its solvency led to the argument that any damages awarded to Flatley would be uncollectible.
Last week, the court declined to uphold an injunction sought by Switzer to prevent Flatley’s involvement in the shows, citing potentially “unquantifiable” losses for the star who owns the intellectual property of Lord of the Dance.
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