A legal battle surrounding the iconic stage show Lord of the Dance has escalated, resulting in an emergency injunction secured by creator Michael Flatley. The injunction, granted by the High Court in Belfast, aims to prevent interference with the production as Flatley contests control of the show with entertainment company Switzer Consulting Ltd.
The dispute surfaced publicly after Thursday night’s planned 30th anniversary performance at the 3Arena in Dublin was cancelled with “immediate effect,” according to a solicitor representing Switzer. The cancellation stemmed from the inability to resolve the ongoing commercial and legal issues within the available timeframe.
At the heart of the conflict lies a service agreement signed in July 2024, wherein Switzer Consulting Ltd. Was contracted to oversee the touring operation of Lord of the Dance. Switzer alleges that Flatley breached this agreement. However, Flatley has formally terminated his contract with the firm, initiating a counter claim against Switzer.
The legal proceedings have revealed a complex financial picture. Switzer claims the dispute jeopardizes 268 performances of Lord of the Dance scheduled across Europe and North America. The company stated that Flatley had received nearly £430,000 in royalties over a 15-month period since the agreement was signed. However, the relationship reportedly deteriorated towards the end of 2025 when Flatley attempted to restructure the operation, described by Switzer as a “solo run.”
Further complicating matters is a potential issue with music rights. Concerns have been raised that a businessman holding rights to music featured in Lord of the Dance could withdraw those rights if repayments of nearly $3 million US dollars are not made. This adds another layer of financial pressure to the production.
The court has also heard damaging allegations regarding Flatley’s financial history. A letter from his former financial advisor, examined during the hearing, alleges a pattern of running tours at a loss and liquidating companies. The letter claims that “Many promoters were reluctant to deal with Michael directly as he has an industry-wide reputation for not paying his bills.” It further alleges that Flatley has “feigned ignorance or a lack of understanding to avoid debt obligations” and used other people’s money to maintain a facade of wealth, living a lifestyle beyond his means.
Specifically, the advisor cited examples of significant expenditures, including €75,000 for a birthday party and €50,000 to join the Monaco yacht club, both incurred during periods when Flatley reportedly had limited income. The letter paints a picture of “insatiable” appetite for lifestyle cash and “horrendous” business mistakes.
Flatley’s legal team has countered these claims, arguing that a deed of trust demonstrates his controlling shareholding in Switzer and that the company is only entitled to a management agent’s fee. Under the terms of a five-year arrangement, Switzer was to receive a monthly fee of £35,000, increasing to £40,000 after the first two years.
The judge overseeing the case has questioned the financial stability of Switzer Consulting Ltd., noting that the company had no listed employees or money until recently, when accounts filed last Saturday showed net assets of just over £2 million. This raised concerns about Switzer’s ability to pay damages should they ultimately lose the breach of contract case.
Last week, a judge lifted an interim ban that had prevented Flatley from being involved in forthcoming shows, acknowledging the potential for “potentially unquantifiable” losses to Flatley, who owns the intellectual property rights to Lord of the Dance. This decision paved the way for Flatley to seek the emergency injunction granted today, aimed at preventing any interference with the production and ensuring the handover of necessary sets and costumes.
Following the injunction, Flatley released a statement expressing his satisfaction with the High Court’s decision. The legal dispute is expected to proceed to trial later this year, with the future of Lord of the Dance and the control of its touring operation hanging in the balance. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for all parties involved.
