When it comes to cult artists Ivor Cutler is the real deal – inspiring adoration and mystification in equal amounts.

This collaboration between Vanishing Point and the National Theatre Of Scotland is a long-overdue celebration of the man who left this world in 2006, leaving behind stacks of idiosyncratic albums and poetry books.

Sandy Grierson - who adopts the persona of Cutler throughout – visits the performer’s partner of 40 years, poet Phyllis April King, played sympathetically by Elicia Daly, to find out more about his hero. From these meetings Cutler’s life is played out using his songs and poetry.

The adoration for Cutler’s work is obvious, as the five-piece band featuring Brighton’s own Nick Pynn fully orchestrates many of Cutler’s piano or harmonium-driven sketches in a form the Noise Abatement Society member probably would have hated. Highlights included Rubber Toy being turned into a Russian Cossack dance, and the first-half closing rave-up Pickle Your Knees, plus Ed Gaughan’s multiple character pieces as a vicious headmaster, Ned Sherrin and even John Peel.

The atmosphere changes in the second half, as Cutler ages and the show explores his relationship with King, even recreating their gentle bickering onstage in concert. Perhaps the most touching moment is his hymn to her: Beautiful Cosmos.

At more than two hours this may not be a show for Cutler neophytes, although it provides a comprehensive sweep of his career, his love of words and dry sense of humour.

The most impressive piece of staging is the regularly used blackout – reflecting the way many fans would have first come across Cutler’s work across the wireless or vinyl grooves.

Four stars