Entertainment

How Keith became the ‘ideas man’ to the world’s biggest stars

Published

8 months ago

April 23, 2025

ONE of Hollywood’s poshest hotels had an unexpected guest. A global icon was relaxing in his executive suite, preparing for the party of all parties and the concert of all concerts.

Outside, Keith Williams, from Neath in South Wales, padlocked his rusty old bicycle in the bike rack. The two-wheeler was all he could afford as he tried to make a name for himself, creating ideas for pop videos. Surely bands could do more than just stand there, strumming, he told everyone. Could they maybe act out a story?

Keith nipped into the toilet to adjust his plastic yellow bow tie and bright red spectacles. He was ready. What was this invitation all about? He glanced again and again at the mysterious, gold-embossed invitation card. Just the address and time. Was it a prank?

Burly bodyguards appeared and ushered Keith along a grand corridor to a suite fit only for millionaires. Keith peered into the lavish surroundings. There, waiting with his entourage, was Elton John. Megastar of the 1980s.

‘I saw you cycling down Santa Monica Boulevard, dear, and wondered whether I should knock you down in my Bentley,’ Elton joked.

Memories came flooding back. The last time Keith and Elton had met was five years earlier at the star’s house in Windsor. Keith was sleeping on a bedroom floor while he worked on videos for Elton’s early tracks.

Now the great man had seen Keith’s credits on MTV. Was Keith’s video really the first to appear on the groundbreaking channel? Yes, it was. The video to promote the hit by the Buggles, Video Killed the Radio Star, was all down to the aspiring Welshman.

The evening had only just begun. Keith was ushered downstairs by elevator to the hotel car park, where a chauffeur awaited. His car was due to follow Elton’s limo as it snaked out of the hotel grounds.

A hefty police escort had been assembled with red flashing lights, blaring sirens, helmeted cops on motorbikes and more officers holding back traffic at junctions.

Their destination: The Universal Amphitheatre, venue for the evening’s concert.

Keith found himself in the middle of a pre-concert party. Elton appeared in a massive purple wig. His new wife, Renate, was there too, smiling gracefully at everyone.

A dazzling Indian buffet had been prepared by leading chefs, especially flown over from England.

The concert was beyond spectacular, with Elton performing at the peak of his career. It was far from a one-off reunion. Keith could look forward to thoughtful birthday cards, sent on the dot from Elton every year.

Thriller

Keith’s telephone started to ring non-stop. Soon after arriving in Hollywood, with his dream of creating pop videos for the stars, a music producer was on the line. News of that MTV video was spreading.

‘Have you heard of Michael Jackson?’

‘Er…no…who’s he?’
 
‘One of the Jackson Five.’

‘Oh, I’m not really into Motown.’

‘He’s gone solo. He’s got a new album coming out. Something called Thriller. Sounds promising. Needs storylines for the videos.’

‘I’m up for that,’ Keith answered enthusiastically.

‘Have a listen to two of the tracks. Billie Jean and Beat It, they’re called.’

***Keith Williams and Michael Jackson on the set of Billie Jean***

Another chauffeur-driven limo appeared, whisking Keith to Michael’s home in Encino, an upmarket part of Los Angeles.

Inside the palatial property, there were flowers everywhere. Michael appeared, gliding into the reception lounge as if on roller skates.

When Michael spoke, Keith stared at him, aghast. No one had told Keith that Michael talked in a high-pitched squeak, like Mickey Mouse. Keith’s pitch for the video was tricky, as he tried to keep a straight face.

Keith had listened to Michael singing on the two tracks, but they sounded like a normal, impressive singing voice.

‘Hey, you’re talented, I really like those ideas,’ Michael squeaked.

On the set of Billie Jean, a surprise lay in store. Michael approached Keith. What did the star want on such a busy day?

‘Can I touch you on the forehead?’

Keith was mystified, never having had such a request before.

‘Sure,’ Keith nodded, allowing Michael to prod his brow.

Michael smiled, then walked back onto the set to continue singing. What was all that about?

It turned out that Michael was a fan of ET, in fact anything by director Steven Spielberg; touching the forehead was all the rage in LA. Keith had just had a close encounter with a future giant of the music industry.

***Keith Williams with Bonnie Tyler filming Holding Out For A Hero***

Keith was now a long way from Neath. Back home in his bedroom, he recalled how he wasn’t allowed to put up posters of his idols. Now he was being whisked from exotic location to exotic location, working with them, and calling the shots.

Soon, Keith was filming Holding Out for a Hero with Bonnie Tyler when the downdraught from the helicopter almost blew her over the edge of the Grand Canyon. She was reluctant to venture close to the sheer drop again. Luckily, Keith’s mum, living just up the road in Skewen, had sent over some Valium for her son. Keith gave a pill to Bonnie, and she was able to perform her worldwide hit on the edge of a precipice.

His next phone call with an emerging singer proved to be fruitful, but there was a downside.

‘Hello, is that Madonna?’

‘Hi, Madonna here.’

‘Hi, I’m Keith.’

‘Keith?’ 

‘Keith from Neath. It’s in…it’s in Wales.’

‘You’re the guy who does the videos? You’re from…Wales?’

‘Yes, and I know you’re going to be very famous in Wales!’

A few ideas from Keith, delivered to the bamboozled Madonna, and then: ‘Oh, I like that…oh, I like that.’

Keith Williams credit on Madonna’s ‘Borderline’ single

Keith composed the video story for her 1984 hit, Borderline. Madonna plays the girlfriend of a Hispanic man. Keith’s idea was to break taboos about interracial relationships.

All was not plain sailing with Madonna, though. Keith had no idea she was going to be a global sensation and pursued other projects instead of sticking with her. Also, he was given custody of the master tape for another future hit. Keith admits in his book…he lost it.

Calls from agents flooded in. The promotional video for the Ghostbusters film was Keith’s creation.

Then, another call out of the blue from a prominent agent.

‘Would you be free to meet Barbra Streisand?’

‘Let me check my diary.’

A microsecond later: ‘Yes, I appear to be free.’

The next day, a black limousine pulled up, whisking Keith along the Pacific Coast Highway to Ms Streisand’s beach residence in Malibu.

Five residences, actually. Not on the beach itself; her estate was set well back, lying at the end of a one-track lane. Streisland, more like it, Keith thought.

Barbra appeared at the door. ‘Would you like some coffee?’

Keith took a while to get his head around sitting in Barbra Streisand’s kitchen while she put the kettle on.

As they discussed potential videos, Barbra paused and said: ‘You’re brilliant.’

Keith wanted to know what she did with so many houses.

‘Well last night, I had dinner in the house over there, I had a bath in another, and then slept in this one!’

The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Billy Idol, Phil Collins and so many stars of the ’80s used Keith’s concepts for their videos. Olivia Newton-John adored the Welsh ‘ideas man’, taking him all over the world on her video shoots while he came up with more and more story outlines for her.

***Olivia Newton John with Keith Williams***

Keith was thrilled to be credited as the writer on Olivia’s Twist of Fate collection of music videos in 1983. That was some honour, working with Olivia and John Travolta.

Keith’s many other memories include Tina Turner on his lap in the back of an opulent limousine, glugging from a rapidly emptying champagne bottle, and sheer elation as one of his videos made it to No. 1 in America.

One of the funniest incidents in a tragic and shocking situation stayed with Keith, and he related the story many times.

TV presenter Peter Ivers was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in Los Angeles. Keith was dragged into the affair because one of his best friends, David Jove, happened to be a main suspect. The late Mr Jove was also implicated in a drugs bust involving the Rolling Stones in England.

Actor Paul Michael Glaser, who knew Peter Ivers well, turned up at the crime scene, heartbroken over the brutal crime. A rookie cop recognised Paul, who starred as Detective Dave Starsky in the all-action TV cop series, ‘Starsky and Hutch’.

‘Excuse me sir, what should we be doing to find the killer?’ the rookie asked Starsky, loud enough for everyone to hear.

‘I don’t know!’ Paul Michael Glaser replied as laughter was disguised as polite coughs. ‘I’m not a real cop. I’m an actor!’

Keith Williams died in 2023 at the age of 73. He had written his memoir, The Boy Who Went to Hollywood, including many of these fascinating stories and more.

His friend and collaborator, Disney producer Paul de Vos, decided that Keith’s escapades in Los Angeles would make a fascinating book.

With more than a little help from Paul’s friends, Keith’s adventurous life is now published for music fans to read.

The Boy Who Went to Hollywood was an Amazon hot new release and bestseller as soon as it came out. Keith would be delighted to read the reviews!

The Boy Who Went to Hollywood is edited by David Meikle and Paul de Vos. You can purchase it HERE

Article by David Meikle

***The Boy Who Went To Hollywood – the story of Keith Williams***

Entertainment

Periwinkle is mischievous but has a heart of gold

Published

1 day ago

December 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PERIWINKLE the sea sprite is mischievous, big-hearted and the guardian of the
Cleddau who loves exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and the loveable character
can’t wait to meet you all this December as Rapunzel comes alive on the Torch
Theatre stage.

From Broad Haven and Little Haven, to Druidstone, Newgale and St
David’s, Periwinkle has magical powers and abilities, can harness the armour and
strength of a crab, or the speed and agility of a fish!

Eifion ap Cadno, who plays Periwinkle, hails from Bangor in north Wales. He trained
in Acting and Contemporary Theatre at East 15 Acting School before heading out to
perform with theatre companies across the UK, Germany and Austria. This will be
his first ever pantomime appearance, and he can’t wait to entertain Pembrokeshire
audiences.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking part as everything about it is so positive.
The original script is mad, the cast members are so generous and supportive,
everyone involved is just so talented and a joy to work with. Moving from rehearsals
in the studio to the main stage and seeing all the design and technical elements
come together has been so magical. I feel very privileged to be a part of such a
brilliant team and production,” said Eifion.

Audiences will love Periwinkle’s fabulous look, all clad in netting, seaweed, shells
and coral, with enormous hair that is very blue. Periwinkle can move like a jellyfish,
sometimes a crab, sometimes a fish, or anything sea-dwelling and can be very silly
at times.

“Periwinkle has a rather fantastic and elaborate appearance, to put it mildly. Gettinginto costume, applying all my make-up and putting on the wig (it’s not my real hair,
sorry to disappoint), is definitely a big part of getting into character. The designer and
wardrobe team have done such an amazing job of bringing Periwinkle to life – I find
that once I’m all dolled up, most of the work has already been done!”

The magical and mischievous Periwinkle has been a favourite with school children
during the school pantomime sessions and the audience support has put Eifion at
ease.

“The truth is, nothing can quite prepare you for the stage – it’s such a different
experience finally having all those children sat watching you! And they’ve not sat
quietly so far, they’ve really got involved. Periwinkle, wants to be best friends with
the audience and get them to help fight the mean witch Mother Gothel and this has
meant a lot of audience interaction!”

Rapunzel, the hair-raising adventure can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage now
until Sunday 28 December. Relaxed Environment Performance Saturday 13
December at 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance on Tuesday 16 December at
6pm. Ticket price: £24.50 | £20.00 Cons | £78.00 Family. For further information visit
the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on
(01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Favourite ways Pembrokeshire residents unwind while off work over the holidays

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2025

Staff Writer

Taking time off work over the festive season allows Pembrokeshire residents to slow down, enjoy moments of peace, and reconnect with activities that bring comfort and joy. With winter landscapes, cosy homes, and plenty of local traditions, the holiday break becomes a cherished opportunity to rest and recharge. From creative projects to outdoor adventures, locals make the most of their downtime with a blend of relaxation, mindfulness, and simple pleasures.

Baking holiday cookies

Baking is one of the most beloved ways Pembrokeshire residents spend their time off during the holidays. With extra hours at home and fewer work-related pressures, many turn to the kitchen to create festive treats ranging from ginger biscuits and mince pies to shortbread, cinnamon cakes, and colourful Christmas cookies. The process itself is deeply therapeutic, offering a slow, hands-on activity that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Some people enjoy the quiet rhythm of baking solo, pairing the experience with seasonal music or a hot drink, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels distinctly festive. The finished treats are often used for gifting, sharing with friends and neighbours, or enjoying during quiet evenings at home, making baking both a practical and comforting holiday tradition.

Digital entertainment

Digital entertainment becomes especially appealing during winter downtime, and many Pembrokeshire residents spend part of their holiday break enjoying online games. Casual mobile games and puzzle apps offer quick, low-effort fun, ideal for filling slow afternoons or relaxing before bed. Others enjoy playing more immersive console or PC games, especially when they finally have the time to dive into longer storylines or cooperative multiplayer sessions with friends who are also off work. Some residents also unwind with online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, appreciating the blend of strategy, entertainment, and convenience.

Digital casinos have advanced quickly over the past few years, and bettors who wager online can now find a wide range of games when they log on and fund their casino accounts in a variety of ways. For example, some players fund their accounts with a bank transfer, while others use e-wallets. Most players choose to use plastic cards, with many opting to play at credit card casinos so that they can fund their account using a credit card, because it’s quick and easy.

Digital entertainment offers a convenient and engaging way for people in Pembrokeshire to unwind during their time off, whether they prefer light mobile games or longer gaming sessions. With so many options available, residents can tailor their downtime to suit their mood, energy level, or schedule. For many, online gaming simply provides an easy, enjoyable escape during the quieter pace of the holiday break.

At-home spa days

Creating an at-home spa day is a favourite way for many Pembrokeshire residents to unwind when they finally have time off work. With simple touches like soothing music, soft lighting, essential oils, and nourishing skincare, people transform their homes into calming retreats. Whether it’s a DIY facial, a gentle exfoliation, or relaxing with a warm robe and a cup of herbal tea, the slower pace helps melt away built-up tension from the year. Many enjoy setting aside an afternoon specifically for self-care, allowing themselves to fully relax, reset, and feel restored during the holiday break.

Practising mindfulness

With work responsibilities temporarily on pause, many Pembrokeshire residents use the holiday period to focus on mindfulness and mental well-being. Practices like guided meditation, deep-breathing exercises, journaling, or gentle stretching become easier to incorporate when the pace of life slows down. Some people begin their mornings with a short meditation session, helping them feel centred before the day begins, while others wind down in the evenings with quiet reflection or gratitude journaling. Others choose mindfulness through creative activities such as drawing, knitting, or painting—tasks that encourage slow, intentional movement and quiet concentration. During a season that can be busy and emotionally demanding, mindfulness offers a grounding and restorative break.

Day hikes

Despite the chilly weather, Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking scenery continues to draw residents outdoors during their time off. Day hikes become a favourite way to unplug from screens and holiday busyness, offering fresh air, movement, and the calming effect of nature. Popular winter routes include stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the rugged areas near St Davids, sheltered woodland paths, and quiet countryside trails around local villages. The crisp winter air and dramatic coastal views provide the perfect backdrop for clearing the mind and embracing the slower pace of the season. For some, hiking is a shared family activity, while others prefer the solitude of a peaceful solo walk. Regardless, it remains one of the most restorative holiday traditions for locals.

Making DIY holiday decorations

Creativity thrives when people finally have time to slow down, and many Pembrokeshire residents enjoy making DIY holiday decorations while off work. Using natural materials collected on walks—like pinecones, holly, driftwood, and evergreen branches—locals craft wreaths, table centrepieces, garlands, and homemade ornaments. Indoor crafts such as paper chains, painted baubles, and fabric decorations also fill many households with seasonal charm. These activities provide a fun, screen-free way to unwind while adding a personal touch to holiday décor. Families often turn DIY crafting into a shared tradition, while individuals enjoy the peaceful, satisfying process of creating something beautiful by hand.

A season of unwinding

Time off work during the holidays gives Pembrokeshire residents the chance to reconnect with hobbies, embrace cosy relaxation, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether staying warm indoors or exploring familiar paths, locals make the most of the peaceful winter break. The result is a season filled with simple joys, meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to recharge before returning to everyday routines.

Business

Computer gaming lounge plans for Tenby cinema submitted

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FORMAL plans to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been submitted to the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores earlier this year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

This follows a recently submitted application for a ‘CONTINUE? Retro Gaming Lounge’ sign on the front of the former cinema, ahead of the wider scheme for a retro gaming facility at the former cinema site, which has a Grade-II-listed front façade.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd says: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It adds: “The development would provide a much-welcomed addition to White Lion Rd which will improve the vitality and viability of the immediate area by promoting greater levels of footfall within the area and introduce greater variety to the shopping frontage at this location.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application, and the related signage scheme, will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.