Cryptic crossword No 1,290

Thanks sirdakka, much enjoyed - pretty tough in parts & took a while to get back on wavelength (had to polish off a Jaspa then return to it, ultimately needing a letter reveal at 3a/5d intersection to get over the line). Faves 11a, 16a, 20a, 1d, 8d & 15d. Spoilers ...

Thanks sirdakka, this was tricky in places but well worth the effort - bravo. 12a is superb, and I also especially enjoyed 1a, 13a, 25a, 5d, 17d, and the 24d/25d combo.

Great to see another puzzle from you sirdakka! I also found this very tricky but was only ultimately defeated by 14a and 16a. Had a feeling about 3a as soon as I saw it (partial to that sort of thing) although the solution eluded me for a while. Hard to pick other favourites but I’ll go for 10a, 12a, 23a, 28a, 6d, 17d, 24d and 26d. Thanks!

Great puzzle, sirdakka, with some clever devices and some of your trademarks, all of which I enjoyed. Not markedly tougher than your usual imho - but then again it has been some time since we saw you; I may have forgotten as I am getting old. Faves inc 1a, 3a, 11a, 16a, 23a, 27a, 5d, 17d, 21d and 22d. Splendid fun. Thanks. PM

As tricky as others have suggested and it took me a few visits but I got it over the line, albeit with a little bung-checking at the end. Loved 20a, 27a, 5d, 7d and 15d. Thanks!

Nice one sirdakka. I’m a bit rusty so found this tough but very enjoyable. Particularly loved the surfaces in 12a 18a 27a 6d and 17d. Enjoyed the tricks in 3a 8d and 13a. And some good smiles along the way too 20a 23a (imagery) and the very cute 15d

I am always full of admiration for your style, creativity and wit, SD, and this is right up there. The only problem was that I found myself a distant admirer as it was far tougher than my pea brain can handle! Of the clues within my ability range, 20a, 23a, 29a, 6d, 8d 22d were my faves. SPOILERS...