The upcoming 30th-anniversary tour of the iconic stage show Lord of the Dance is in "grave danger of falling apart", a court in Belfast has been told, due to a legal injunction preventing its creator, Michael Flatley, from engaging with the production.
Legal Injunction Halts Star's Involvement
The crisis stems from a civil case brought by Switzer Consulting against the world-famous Irish dancer and choreographer. The firm alleges a breach of contract concerning an agreement that would allow it to run the dance shows. Switzer Consulting has already secured a temporary injunction to stop Flatley from interfering with the productions.
The case was mentioned at The Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, 16 January 2026. Legal representatives for Flatley responded to an affidavit submitted on behalf of the consultancy.
Shows at Risk Without 'Artistic Direction'
Flatley's barrister, John Coyle, informed the court that shows scheduled to begin in just two weeks are under severe threat. He argued that if Flatley is not permitted to communicate with the performers, the tour could disintegrate.
Mr Coyle emphasised that Flatley's "artistic direction is a vital component" of the show, and without his participation, financial losses would be inevitable. He stated the company is solvent and that the "economic havoc" inflicted on his client by the injunction would be substantial.
Courtroom Exchanges and Next Steps
During the hearing, Mr Coyle also referenced recent press coverage of the case, presenting a newspaper report and suggesting its contents would be libellous if not a court document. The judge clarified that the affidavit was a public document presented before the court and noted the case was not being heard by a jury.
The court heard that Michael Flatley is currently not in the jurisdiction but that an affidavit from him would be submitted by Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The case is scheduled for a further hearing on Monday, 27 January 2026.
The Lord of the Dance 30th Anniversary tour is due to open at Dublin's 3Arena on 5 February 2026, with subsequent dates planned across the UK, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic throughout the year. The production's future now hinges on the outcome of the legal proceedings in Belfast.
