WHILE his fellow cast members are enjoying a final few minutes out in the sunshine, Shaun Dalton is already in the theatre and sat putting on his make-up.

The actor, who hails from Coventry, is playing the role of the Beast in the musical Beauty and the Beast - and looking the part isn't easy.

"We've got it down to about an hour to apply it all, originally it took a lot longer, " said Shaun.

One of the first things he had to do after landing the star part was to have a mould taken of his face to create the Beast's mask.

"I was covered in plaster of Paris and you have to sit there for ages just breathing through holes for your nostrils.

"From that they make a latex mould, and I wear a different one for each show. Then we add on the horns and wigs.

"It's quite a lot of wear, and the glue is pretty horrible at times - I did ask them for some decent skincare products when I said yes to the role."

Shaun, who studied at the Birmingham School of Acting, first performed with the Beauty and the Beast tour in 2005, before being given a role on another show by the production company.

He was then asked to return to the show with a view to taking on the monster role.

"The production company has been very loyal to me, they are great people to work for, " he said.

"It is a dream come true to be playing the role and I'm having a lot of fun doing it.

"I love the fact that he starts off as this really grumpy character and then warms as the show goes on.

"It's been hard work, but the last 10 years to get here have all been worth it."

The musical is based on the awardwinning Disney film and has been seen by more than 25 million people worldwide.

It has been nominated for nine Tony awards, including Best Musical, and has enjoyed record-breaking runs in London, Los Angeles, Toronto and Sydney.

Shaun said fans of the film will love this stage version, which has come direct from the West End.

"Everything that you love from the film is there, " he said.

"You get all of the songs from the film, plus a few more that didn't make the final cut.

"All of the characters are there and if you love the film, you'll love this.

"It is a great show."

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Cheltenham Everyman, from July 8 - 18. Tickets from £12. 01242 572573.