Behind-the-scenes photographs have revealed the painstaking process in which actor Benedict Cumberbatch is transformed into Frankenstein's monster for a stage adaptation of the play.

One of the images sees the Sherlock star, 38, enjoying a dessert as he lets a make-up artist get on with the process which takes two and a half hours to complete.

A first look of the ghoulish transformation comes courtesy of an app created by National Theatre Live which gives audiences access to exclusive interviews, short-films, photo galleries and more.

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Franken-batch! Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch is transformed into Frankenstein's monster ahead of his performance in a stage show adaptation of the famous story

Once the metamorphosis is complete, Benedict looks unrecognisable as his golden locks are nowhere to be seen.

His face is covered in blood and a large open wound held shut by black stitches travels across the full length of his face.

The app, which is the first digital programme of its kind, is being launched as Danny Boyle’s award-winning production of Frankenstein returns to cinemas for a limited time.

Trick or treat! In one of the images Cumberbatch is seen enjoying a dessert as the make-up artist gets to work

The details... The task of becoming the Creature in Danny Boyle's stage version of Frankenstein, which is coming to cinemas for a limited time, takes a total of two and a half hours

In the never seen before footage, Cumberbatch revealed that becoming the Creature was 'very painful sometimes'.

He also told that he spent an additional 40 minutes after each performance taking off the make-up.

The film sees Benedict share the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature in Nick Dear’s play, which based on Mary Shelley's famed novel, with Jonny Lee Miller.

The other Creature: Benedict shares the role of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature with Jonny Lee Miller (pictured)

Speaking of the demanding job, Miller said: 'We couldn't do it eight shows a week, not the way we've decided to go about it. It's given us licence to go about it in a slightly lunatic fashion.'

Mark Armstrong, Naomie Harris, Karl Johnson, Daniel Millar, Andreea Padurariu, John Stahl and Lizzie Winkler are also among cast members in the film which is now on its third encore.

Dear's adaption focuses in the story of the Creature and will be screened in a special two-part presentation in over 550 cinemas around the UK and worldwide from 30 October.