Exclusive Luv Esther/Ray Goudie Interview

August 2005

Following in the footsteps of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (creators of Jesus Christ, Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) is Ray Goudie, writer/producer of Luv Esther, a brand new musical based on the story of Esther in the Old Testament. Ray is no stranger to music – he has been in the music biz since the 1960s and in the 1980s had a hit record with his band Heartbeat; he even appeared on Top of the Pops! He is currently Director of NGM (New Generation Music and Mission) and is exceptionally busy producing Luv Esther. We are grateful that he took time out to email answers to our questions.

Who got the idea of Luv Esther, and how and when did it get off the ground?

The idea to write a musical came to me whilst on sabbatical a few years ago. I then started writing the lyrics to the first song about three years ago.

Why choose the life of Esther and not another character in the Bible?

In his book, Tim Rice says that the three most important things in a musical are a good story, a good story and a good story! The book of Esther is the one that immediately came to mind because it is such a fantastic story!

What can people expect if they come to the show? Why should they come?

They can expect a professional, West End-style production, which carries the very heart of God. Not only will it be hugely entertaining, but it carries the challenge to Christians to reach out with Jesus' compassion to those around them who are hurting and in need. Like Esther, we are all called for such a time as this, and we can stand up and make a difference in the lives of those around us.

How has Luv Esther been received so far? Any stories of lives changed by the performances, or funny anecdotes of things going wrong?

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive! There has been great support from the press with some encouraging and enthusiastic reviews of our May premiere. People who have been to the May premiere and the taster performances at festivals have told us they have wept, have heard God speak to them and had their lives changed already! Things that went wrong? Well the May premiere was a memorable day for obvious reasons, however those of us behind the scenes will not forget the things that went wrong! On the day of the premiere, the video projector decided not to work and at 3pm we were still wondering if we would have a show that night! Then, during a crucial part of the show that evening, the house lights decided to come on and we couldn't turn them off! I seemed to spend most of the day and evening running around like a crazy man, waiting for the men in white coats to come and take me away!

word-on-the-web encourages people to engage with the Bible, so it’s great that there is a show that brings to life part of scripture. What part do you think the Bible plays in the Christian life?

The Bible is vital to a Christian's life; it is effectively God's love letter to us because through it He reveals to us how much He loves us. It's a light to a path and brings revelation to us and clarity on how we should live.

Where can our readers see you in the coming months? Is there a website people can visit for info?

The first leg of our tour is October and November this year. We will be visiting Littlehampton, Southampton, Yeovil, Poole, Clitheroe, Bedford, Manchester, Oxford, Stirling, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fairoak and Brighton. For dates, tickets and more information on Luv Esther, go to our website (www.luvesther.com). If there isn't a show in your area, you can book Luv Esther to come in 2006 by contacting one of the Luv Esther team on 01454 414 880. Plus we are looking for more girls and guys to join Luv Esther, both on tour and in the office. For more info, contact us!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The whole heart and vision of Luv Esther is for the audience to go into the throne room of God and catch his heart. Like Esther enters the king's throne room and finds his favour, there is no condemnation in our Father's throne room, but immense love for us. We want God to touch lives so that people will reach out with His love to others, not because they should, but because they want to.

Ray, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions! We hope and pray the tour goes well.