Belfast — Michael Flatley is once again at the helm of Lord of the Dance, securing a “fantastic victory” after a legal battle threatened his involvement in the show’s upcoming 30th anniversary tour. The ruling came Thursday from the Chancery Court in Belfast.
Legal Challenge Dismissed, Show to Go On
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The choreographer can now fully participate in the tour, averting potentially significant financial setbacks.
- A temporary injunction blocking Flatley’s participation has been lifted.
- The case involved allegations of breach of contract by Switzer Consulting Ltd.
- The judge acknowledged “hotly disputed issues of fact” requiring a future trial.
- Flatley expressed delight and promised the “greatest version” of the show.
Mr. Justice Simpson ordered the lifting of a temporary injunction that had prevented the choreographer from participating in the production, citing the potential for “potentially unquantifiable” financial losses. The judge noted that “hotly disputed issues of fact” were presented during the proceedings, issues best suited for a future trial.
What was the core of the legal dispute? Switzer Consulting Ltd. sued Flatley, alleging breach of contract and sought to block him from interfering with the planned worldwide tour, including contacting promoters or venues.
Outside the court, a jubilant Flatley stated, “Yes, 100 per cent” when asked if he was back in control. He added, “I won’t be in the car 10 seconds and I’ll be calling all my dancers, all of the cast and crew… All their families have flown in and we’re going to lift the roof on Thursday. This will be the greatest version of this show that you will ever see. I’m absolutely delighted.”
A Two-Year Agreement at the Center of the Dispute
The civil case revolved around a temporary injunction granted to Switzer Consulting Ltd. on January 12th, which initially barred Flatley’s involvement. The dispute stemmed from a formal service agreement struck two years ago, granting Switzer the authority to manage the shows.
Joe Gallagher, described as “the face of Switzer,” argued that Flatley’s interference could jeopardize performances scheduled across Europe and North America—a “global venture” encompassing 268 shows. Switzer’s barrister, Gary McHugh, told the court on Wednesday, “The Dublin show is good to go. But it’s the effect which Mr Flatley’s interference and conduct may have on shows down the line which essentially prompts this application.”
Financial Scrutiny and Allegations of Mismanagement
The proceedings also brought to light scrutiny of Flatley’s financial affairs. In an affidavit, Flatley, with an address in Monaco, refuted Switzer’s characterization of his financial standing. Allegations surfaced regarding a “difficult financial history,” with former financial advisor Des Walshe claiming Flatley had been “living the lifestyle of a Monaco millionaire without the funds to do so” since 2019.
Walshe alleged Flatley borrowed €75,000 to fund his own birthday party and, in a letter to Flatley’s solicitor last month, stated, “In the bluntest terms, he was faking it on a multimillion euro scale.” Flatley’s legal team countered these claims, asserting he was not a poor manager of his affairs or deeply in debt, and characterizing the allegations as “ad-hominem attacks.”
The 30th anniversary run of Lord of the Dance is scheduled to begin in Dublin next week.
