The Boat That Rocked world premiere, Leicester Square, London

Here's Rhys Ifans and he's brought the party with him. Now, back in 1966 we used to call these 'dollybirds'. In these dreary, PC times they are known as 'models hired by the film distributor to make Rhys look like a fun guy' Photograph: Richard Young/Rex Features

At least some things haven't changed. Here's Paul McCartney, still boyish of face and moppish of top. But whoah - what's with the chick photographer? Where's David Bailey when you need him? Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

Inside the cinema, the premiere starts hotting up. Bill Nighy pairs off with Talulah Riley; Rhys Ifans with Gemma Arterton. Is this canoodling merely for the benefit of the press, or could a real-life 60s-style orgy be in the offing? Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

Sadly not. Gemma Arterton has disentangled herself from Rhys and now stands beside Kenneth Branagh, who plays the role of a stuffy government minister in the film. Branagh's character hates sex, and drugs, and rock'n'roll. He's what we used to call a square ... Photograph: Dave M Benett/Getty Images

... which means that he is nothing like that dangerous hipster known as Richard Curtis. Here's Ricky-Cee, living it large with paramour Emma Freud. Check out those kinky boots Photograph: Dave M Benett/Getty Images

Stand clear, Daddy-Os. It's like the summer of love all over again. Tom Sturridge is mauling Talulah Riley and co-stars Rhys Darby, Rhys Ifans and Gemma Arterton are skipping the light fandango. Or something Photograph: Dave M Benett/Getty Images

All of a sudden everyone wants a piece of the action. Here's Bill Nighy with Diana Quick .... Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

... Lise Mayer and Angus Deayton ... Photograph: Tim Whitby/Getty Images

... Paul Greengrass and Joanna Kaye .... Photograph: Tim Whitby/Getty Images

... Jonathan Ross and the kids. Their names are Honey Kinney, Betty Kitten, Harvey Kirby and Summer of Pan (though we may have halucinated that last one) Photograph: Tim Whitby/Getty Images

Oh, and look - there's Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell too. Surely the film won't begin until Sir Paul flashes his trademark thumbs-up at the assembled throng Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

In the meantime the guests are still arriving. Make way for Jane Seymour. It's like Woodstock down here. Or Altamont without those unfortunate killings that made the actual event such a bummer. Who knows who's going to show up next? Bob Dylan, maybe? The ghost of Jimi Hendrix? Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

Even better. It's Geri Halliwell Photograph: Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

OK, we have officially reached nirvana. Standing between Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, Paul McCartney finally gives the thumbs-up, and that's our cue. Your seats, please, dollybirds and gentlemen. The rocking-est, socking-est Boat That Rocked is about to begin Photograph: Getty Images