Most people just take a shower and blow dry their hair before going to work - not actor Nic Greenshields.

In his current role, Nic must sit for nearly two hours while a latex mask is glued to his face, a wig pinned to his head and false teeth superglued in place.

This daily ritual unfolds in order to transform Nic for his role as the Beast in a nationwide touring stage production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Nic let us into his dressing room before a show at the Cliffs Pavilion to see for ourselves how this magical make-over takes shape.

To ensure the mask fits perfectly, Nic went for a fitting while the show was still in its rehearsal stage.

Bandages were wrapped round his whole head and a plaster cast taken, the cast was then covered in clay and the cheeks, chin and forehead accentuated.

The finished clay mould was then covered in latex foam.

Before any makeup touches Nic's face, the pale skin coloured latex mask is painted so it has a darker skin tone, dark eyes and red lips by wigs and makeup artist Jo Green.

Jo has to hand paint each mask before it is applied to Nic's face.

If you want to see Nic for yourselves then head to the Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff, where Beauty and the Beast is running until Saturday, April 22.

Times vary and tickets cost between £8 and £29.50.

For more information contact the box office on 01702 351135.