Cryptic crossword No 1,723

Fabulous 😁 some classic sirdakka in here, I particularly liked 5a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 2d and my favourite 4d. One tiny observation: your note for 18a seems to refer to an earlier version of the clue. Thanks!

Great fun, as ever, sirdakka. Usual bunch of laughs on the way and some good head scratching too. Loved the use of 🐻 throughout! Particular highlights 1d (terrific surface) 10a (nice def) 14a (laugh for the surface) 15a (neat) the lovely pairing of 23a and 27a (classy) 3d (clever) 4d (delightful) 6d (neat execution of this device) with 5a my COTD… thanks! Loved it. Checking notes for a couple…

Lovely stuff sirdakka, thanks! Quite tricky but it all unravelled in the end. Love the bears! Favourites: 10a (COTD), 11a (ha! - podium), 14a, 15a, 25a, 2d, 4d, 5d (podium) and 13d. Spoilers …

Thanks sirdakka, great fun. Faves 5a, 14a, 15a, 23a, 4d, 7d & 26d (spoilers ...)

A real treat. 4d’s just brilliant, so too 11a. 5d’s fun and 25a’s surface is charming. 18a’s def doesn’t quite work for me but it wouldn’t take much to jig it. Ticks all over the shop – top stuff. Thanks sirdakka.

Terrific - so many highlights, such as 11a, 23a, 27a, 28a and 4d, but the whole puzzle was solved gently with a smile on my face, which is all I want ultimately.

Thanks SD - I really enjoyed this on Panthera's stream yesterday. 4d is one of the best clues I've seen in ages, magnificent.

Very smoothly done, Sirdakka, and, as Henri says, some classic 'you' in there. I enjoyed the bear necessities throughout. Faves include 10a, 11a, 20a, 25a, 28a, 3d, 4d (COTD), 5d, 13d and 22d for the cheek of it. Thanks. PM