'Lord Of The Dance' in 'grave danger of falling apart' if Michael Flatley prevented from engaging with performers

Switzer Consulting taking legal action in a civil case against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows

Court heard unless Mr Flatley could participate in the show, losses would inevitably be incurred because his 'artistic direction' was a vital component. File picture

Upcoming Lord Of The Dance shows are in "grave danger of falling apart" if Michael Flatley is not permitted to engage with performers, a court in Belfast has heard.

The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer rose to international prominence performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance.

The production's 30th anniversary tour is due to play in Dublin's 3 Arena on February 5, continuing in 2026 in a number of countries, including Britain, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Switzer Consulting is taking legal action in a civil case against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows.

Switzer has already secured a temporary injunction to stop Mr Flatley from interfering with the shows.

The case was mentioned at the Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, during which legal representatives for Mr Flatley responded to an earlier affidavit submitted on behalf of Switzer Consulting.

Mr Flatley's barrister John Coyle told the court there were shows coming up in two weeks that were in "grave danger of falling apart" if Mr Flatley could not speak to the dancers on the tour.

He said the company was solvent and the "economic havoc" the move would inflict on Mr Flatley would be "substantial".

Mr Coyle told the judge unless Mr Flatley could participate in the show, losses would inevitably be incurred because his "artistic direction" was a vital component.

He also highlighted recent press coverage of the case, producing a copy of a newspaper report, stating its printing would be "libellous" if it was not a court document.

The judge clarified the affidavit was presented before the court and was therefore in the public domain, adding he had not read the piece and the case was not being heard in front of a jury.

Mr Coyle said Mr Flatley was currently not in the jurisdiction but an affidavit from him would be submitted by next Wednesday.

The case is scheduled for another hearing on January 27.