Michael Flatley wins control of Lord of the Dance ahead of anniversary tour

A Belfast court discharged an interim injunction, allowing Michael Flatley to lead the 30th anniversary Lord of the Dance tour starting in Dublin next week; Switzer Consulting had accused him of financial misconduct, which his legal team denied.

A judge in Belfast has discharged an interim injunction that had prevented Michael Flatley from engaging with the Lord of the Dance production. The decision clears the way for him to lead the show's 30th anniversary tour, which is due to start in Dublin next week and will also visit Europe and the United States. The injunction had been sought amid disputes over control and finances. Parties made competing statements in court about the likely effects on the production. What happened: - Mr Justice Simpson, sitting in the Chancery Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, discharged the interim injunction against Michael Flatley. - The move allows Flatley to participate in and lead the Lord of the Dance 30th anniversary tour starting in Dublin next week, with further dates in Europe and the United States. - The court had been told performances were reported as being "in grave danger of falling apart" without Flatley's involvement, according to his barrister John Coyle. He also warned the injunction would cause substantial economic harm to Flatley. - Switzer Consulting accused Flatley of trying to divert deposit funds for booked shows and described his financial reputation as "dreadful," with a director, Joe Gallagher, saying he believed Flatley had previously taken money from the business. - Flatley's counsel, David Dunlop KC, denied the financial allegations and described some remarks as ad hominem attacks; Flatley spoke outside court, saying he was delighted and intended to contact the cast and crew. Summary: The court ruling removes a legal barrier that had restricted Flatley's involvement with the production and permits him to lead the 30th anniversary tour beginning in Dublin next week. Allegations of financial misconduct were made in court by Switzer Consulting and were denied by Flatley's legal team. Any further legal or commercial developments were not reported.