Lord Of The Dance tour could ‘fall apart’ in Michael Flatley’s absence, court case told
Upcoming Lord Of The Dance shows face “major danger of disintegration” if Michael Flatley is not allowed to interact with performers, a court in Belfast has heard.
The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer rose to international fame performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before creating the stage show The Lord Of The Dance.
The production’s 30th Anniversary tour will play at Dublin 3 Arena on February 5 and continue in 2026 in many countries, including the UK, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Switzer Consulting is taking legal action in a civil lawsuit against the choreographer and dancer alleging breach of contract regarding an agreement the firm says was reached to allow the firm to conduct dance performances.
Switzer has already obtained a temporary injunction to prevent Flatley from interfering with the demonstrations.
The case was heard in the Royal Court of Justice Chancery Court in Belfast on Friday, during which Flatley’s legal representatives responded to an earlier submission submitted on behalf of Switzer Consulting.
Flatley Solicitor John Coyle told the court the shows would be “in danger of falling apart” within two weeks if Flatley was unable to speak to the dancers on the tour.
He said the company would be able to pay its debts and that the “economic devastation” the move would bring to Flatley would be “significant.”
Mr Coyle told the judge that if Flatley did not take part in the show, he would inevitably suffer losses as his “artistic direction” was a vital component.
He also produced a copy of a newspaper article highlighting recent media coverage of the case, stating that its printing would be “libelous” if it were not a court document.
The judge stated that the affidavit was filed before the court and was therefore open to the public, adding that he had not read it and the case was not tried before a jury.
Mr Coyle said Flatley was not currently in his jurisdiction but an affidavit from him would be submitted by next Wednesday.
The case is scheduled to be heard again on January 27.
