Cate Blanchett, Olivia Colman and Sheridan Smith prepare backstage in rare candid portraits

A photographer has revealed rare behind the scenes snaps of theatre actors, including Cate Blanchett, Sheridan Smith and Olivia Colman, in his new book.

Simon Annand has offered a glimpse at the esteemed theatre stars in their dressing rooms during the 30 minutes before the curtain goes up in his latest book Time to Act.

One close-up snap sees a blood-soaked Cate Blanchett gazing intensely into a mirror before taking to the stage in the 2017 adaptation The Present at New York’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

The Carol star, 51, wore a striking cream jumper and white shirt tainted with splatters of red blood as she starred as Anna Petrovna in Andrew Upton’s reworking of Chekhov’s play Platonov.

She not only starred in Simon’s rare pictures but also wrote the foreword to the celebrity snapper’s latest book, which was published in September.

In another close-up picture, Sheridan Smith gets her blonde locks fixed as she prepares to wow audiences in the World War Two play Flare Path at Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2011.

The Cilla actress, 39, looked sensational in period attire and stood boldly with her hands on her hips as someone styled her golden tresses in a 1940s up-do.

Another hair and make-up focused snap sees a beaming Olivia Colman wearing a monochrome outfit and bold red lipstick while her locks are pushed off her face before a performance of Hay Fever at the Noel Coward Theatre in 2012.

Other famous faces to appear in the 65-year-old photographer’s candid snaps include The Crown star Clare Foy, Angela Lansbury and Sally Field.

One notable picture captures Benedict Cumberbatch undergoing complex make-up while starring in Frankenstein at the National Theatre in 2011. 

The Sherlock actor, 44, starred as both Victor Frankenstein and his monster alongside Jonny Lee Miller in the famous production.

In the snap, the theatre star is being transformed into the monster, appearing as if he has wires protruding out of him and jagged scars across his entire body.

A number of impressive snaps see theatre stars gazing into mirrors decorated with inspiring photographs before the curtain goes up.

In one picture, Jude Law stares intently at an image of American dancer Fred Astaire before taking on the titular role of Hamlet at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End in 2009.

Two similarly shot photographs see Orlando Bloom and Ashley Jensen looking at their own reflections as they fix their outfits and make-up before performing.

The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star Layton Williams also features in the book donning a bold red jacket and feathered heeled boots while performing in Rent at St James Theatre in 2017.

Simon has become a fly-on-the-wall as he is allowed in the dressing rooms of many household names to capture these rarely-seen moments.

The book’s release comes after the closure of the theatre industry worldwide due to the global coronavirus pandemic, which is discussed by Cate in the foreword. 

Theatres closed in March following Government advice to slow the spread of Covid-19 with no date set for when the venues can reopen as England enters the second national lockdown this week.