The people of Dorset will be the first to watch a new film about the death of Lawrence of Arabia.

The new film Lawrence: After Arabia will be given pre-release screenings at venues in the county.

The story follows T.E Lawrence who has retired to his cottage in Dorset, hoping to escape his past but is ensnared in political intrigue.

While Lawrence has powerful friends, he has made some dangerous enemies.

As they plot against him, he is involved in a motorcycle accident.

With such enemies the question is posed as to whether it could have been an assassination by the British Secret Service.

The film stars Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser, Michael Maloney, Nicole Ansari Cox and Tom Barber Duffy in the lead role.

The film’s director Mark JT Griffin said: “One of the commitments I made when I started the film was to ensure the people of Dorset saw the film before everyone else.

“So, as a thank you I’ve organised a number of showings around Dorset with director’s Q and A early in May.

“While these dates are now confirmed and tickets at some venues are available. Others will go on sale through January.”

The gala premiere will take place at the Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday, May 19.

The event will help raise money for the Lighthouse Poole Art Centre charity.

Tickets are now on sale online to the public via the Lighthouse Poole box office.

Each ticket costs £30 plus a booking fee.

The gala premiere will be held in the 700-seat theatre and will be a red-carpet event, with limos and bubbly.

It will be attended by celebrities and patrons of the film.

Mr Griffin said: “It is highly likely to be over -subscribed – we already have about 50 per cent of tickets sold, so get your tickets as soon as possible.”

However, there will be a number of screenings at select cinemas in the lead-up to the gala premiere and afterwards.

The Q and A screenings include:

Friday, May 1 – Bridport, Electric Palace.

Saturday, May 2 – Mowlem, Swanage

Sunday, May 3 – Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

Saturday, May 9 – Arts Centre, Shaftesbury

Sunday, May 10 – Dorchester Plaza (two showings)

Monday, May 11 – Exchange, Sturminster Newton

Tuesday, May 12 – Rex, Wareham

Wednesday, May 20 – Poole Lighthouse