17th February 2026
As we head towards Spring, the show opened with a discussion on the showbiz case very much to the fore in the Belfast High Court in the week gone by between Switzer Consulting Limited and Michael Flatley, the Lord of the Dance Creator. It seems that an agreement with Switzer Consulting Ltd that they were to receive a management fee in respect of the production of the show at a multitude of venues across Europe and the USA has unravelled and the parties are now polarised and in particular Michael Flatey’s continuing involvement in it. Our contributor Seamus Gunn outlined the background and the various different injunction applications to initially prohibit Michael Flatley’s involvement in the 30th Anniversary Show scheduled for the 3 Arena on the 5th being reversed last Friday by the High Court, only to prompt Switzer Consulting to then announce that the show was to be cancelled earlier in the week. This triggered a further application to the High Court to guarantee that the show would proceed. Greg Hughes enquired as to how the relationship had broken down and Gunn said that it was being alleged by Switzer Limited that they had reservations about the promoter’s financial standing and his reputation within the industry among promoters in respect of discharging his financial responsibilities. Following a counter application by Switzer Consulting Limited an agreement was reached whereby undertakings were given that they would provide the stage, set and costumes for the show at the 3 Arena in Dublin on the basis that they would be returned to them the following day. Our contribution Seamus Gunn was of the view that this matter has some way to go to be resolved but, in the meantime, Michael Flatley appeared at the 3 Arena at the opening of the Lord of the Dance to great applause when he stated “It has been a rocky road to Dublin”. More to come on this no doubt.
A wide and varied Q&A followed that can be listened to below: