Fans have the chance to see the eagerly awaited first episode of the new Dr Who on the big screen.

The feature-length opener is being shown in a number of the county’s cinemas this weekend at the same time as it is broadcast on BBC1.

Deep Breath stars Peter Capaldi as the 12th Dr Who, alongside Jenna Coleman as his trusty time-travelling companion Clara. It will also feature Neve McIntosh, Catrin Stewart, and Dan Starkey reprising their roles as Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint, and Strax.

Capaldi’s predecessor, Matt Smith, will also appear.

Before the episode starts, fans will be able to see a five-minute video from the upcoming Doctor Who DVD release. After the screening, there will be behind-the-scenes clips of the first episode, followed by a live Q&A with Peter Capaldi.

Writer Steven Moffat says the first episode will be a “big introduction” for Capaldi, with “plenty of action, nonsense and jeopardy.”

Deep Breath will screened at Gulbenkian, Canterbury, on Saturday, August 23, though the time has yet to be confirmed. Tickets £11 and students £9. Tickets at www.thegulbenkian.co.uk or on 01227 769075.

The episode is will also be shown at five Kent cinemas while fans are watching on TV – the Odeons at Chatham, Maidstone, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells plus the Vue Cinema, Westwood Cross, Thanet, with an advertised start time of 7.35pm.

Contact the individual cinemas for further details, precise times and ticket prices. Dr Who is on BBC1 at 7.50pm on Saturday.