The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler @ Citizens' Theatre

In collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland, Glasgow based company Vanishing Point salute the work of Ivor Cutler. The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler is an endearing celebration of this Scottish artist, and their production seems an excellent introduction to his work. Bookended by interviews with Cutler’s companion Phyllis King, Beautiful Cosmos... charts his life in a linear way, calling upon his work to illustrate specific moments in time. 

It comes as a shock that Cutler is not better known. Described as eccentric, he defies categorisation. Surrealist folk artist, poet, singer-songwriter, the list goes on; but trying to classify him is like searching for a needle in a haystack. The delight to be found in his work reveals a singular world view. Whimsical, amusing and at times bleak and dark, his work is also sublimely aural. Upon hearing his songs for the first time, both the mournful strains of I’m Going in a Field and the sheer delight of Sandy Grierson’s rendition of The Obliging Fairy linger long in the mind. 

Grierson’s characterisation of Cutler is compelling, as is Elicia Daly as a warm and restrained King. Ed Gaughan’s comic, functional characters brilliantly populate the background while the musical accompaniment is accomplished and full. Cutler, a supporter of the Noise Abatement Society, asked his audience to applaud at fifty percent. Judging by the enthusiastic cheering of the Citz audience, it is unlikely that all audiences obliged.