Cryptic crossword No 1,557

What a splendid puzzle, Meles. Thanks so much. This is really tightly constructed with some super surfaces and plenty of fun. Lots of ticks across my grid so I'll highlight 9a, 12a, 20a, 23a, 1d, 2d, 8d and 21d. Spoilers in Reply. Thanks. PM

Did this on Panthera's stream just now. Excellent puzzle Meles. 11A is my COTY so far. Early days but it'll take some beating I'd say. Thanks.

Great puzzle, very tight, a fair challenge with some friendly ways in! Loved 11A and the outrageous 16d. 24d is concisely excellent: I've seen this approach before, but not so well done

Super stuff, thanks Meles. Favourites include 9a, 11a (though not sure why the inverted commas?), 23a, 27a, 2d (trickily precise), 5d, 7d, 16d (worked for me!), 17d, 21d, 23d & 24d (as Mallimack notes, a pleasing take on an old chestnut). Thanks again!

Very nice, Meles, thanks! Biggest ticks went to 11a, 4d, and 22d, but lots more to enjoy.

Slightly late to the party but I thoroughly enjoyed this one, Meles. Your clues have a tendency to unfold in a most satisfying way, which is testament to fair and accurate wordplay coupled with witty surfaces. Favourites: 1a, 11a (COTD but agree with Fez re the inverted commas), 13a, 20a, 23a, 5d, 21d and 24d.