By Tom Bourton BBC News Online

At the charity premiere of Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones.

It was "lightsabers, camera, action" as the latest instalment of the Star Wars story drew a force of Welsh stars out in Cardiff on Wednesday night.

One night after Leicester Square hosted the world premiere of Attack of the Clones, the movie came to the UGC for a charity premiere in aid of NSPCC Cymru.

Scott Gibbs makes new friends

Boxer Joe Calzaghe, Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable and rugby legends Gareth Edwards and Scott Gibbs were among a constellation of celebrities enjoying the stellar adventures set in a galaxy far far away.

And after Anakin Skywalker and Senator Amidala wove their magic onscreen, the stars delivered their verdicts.

"I thought it was very good indeed," said Stuart Cable.

"It's got the elements of a crowd-puller - a bit of romance, a bit of a story to it, and a good old fight at the end."

I think I must have been still playing the game when Star Wars first came out

Gareth Edwards

But tough tackling Scott Gibbs was less sure.

"I enjoyed it but I am an old fuddy-duddy," said the Swansea centre.

"I enjoyed the first trilogy and think the last two have lost the simplicity."

"The special effects were amazing but, sad to say, I was snoozing at the end."

Raising awareness

The Full Stop campaign by NSPCC was chosen to benefit from Wednesday's regional screenings, which were also taking place in Birmingham and Leeds, as well as Tuesday's Leicester Square event.

"We are delighted to have so many people here in support of the campaign, and we hope to raise lots of money ," said Greta Thomas, Director for NSPCC Cymru.

"I have three children of my own and I'm very happy to be here to support the cause," said Joe Calzaghe.

Gareth Edwards: Keen Star Wars fan

"No matter what the film tonight, I would be here," he added.

"It's a fantastic night for the NSPCC. It has raised a lot of money and a lot of awareness and that's the most important thing," added Stuart Cable.

"The NSPCC is something I have always supported when I am able to do so," said Wales legend Gareth Edwards.

"I think I must have been still playing the game when Star Wars first came out."

The plot of Attack of the Clones takes up the Star Wars mantle 10 years after The Phantom Menace left off.

Star Wars was an immediate hit when released in 1977, and follow-ups The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) created one of the most popular cinematic series ever.

But fans had to wait until 2001 for another dose of the cult classics, with the first of three prequels; Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is now on worldwide release.