In 1996 it was all so different.
Michael Flatley bounded on to stages around the world as the Lord of the Dance.
In his show, the Chicago-born dancer’s character, the hero, battled the “evil dark lord Don Dorcha” from taking over “Planet Ireland”.
High-kicking and careering his way through an elaborate spectacle of modern Irish dance and ancient Celtic mysticism, the star performer ended the show triumphantly surrounded by his entire dance troupe.
Thirty years later, Flatley finds himself injuncted from even talking to those who play the roles he once conceived and made famous – and locked out from a show that he insists he owns outright.
The high court in Belfast has heard…