Cryptic crossword No 2,742

Thanks Henri for an absolute display of brilliance. I had many favourites, 22a (wonderful surface), 29a, 2d, 4d, and 28d among them but the star was the 'punchline' clue. More in reply.

Brilliant Henri! I also especially enjoyed the surface of 22a. I hadn't noticed the extra wrinkle to the main clue until I read Gennaro's comment.

As clever and fun and packed with brilliant surfaces as ever. I bludgeoned my way to the long solution via checking letters but could not parse it . Gave me a good giggle when I looked again after your notes! Faves include 8a,12a,29a and 2d,4d,17d,20d

My word. My mouth dropped open when I saw what you'd done.

I particularly liked 22a. And as a setter who likes a grid construction challenge. I was very impressed with this! (I just published my first effort at a puzzle with this sort of thing today, but I wasn't as subtle about it!)

Fantastic, I'm in awe! Lots to enjoy particularly 8a, 19a, the fabulous 22a, 3d, 4d, 15d, 21d and 28d thank you

Once again a product of genius, Henri. As others have said 'the thing' is the star and 22a is super, but everything else very well done too. Bravo!

Good fun, Henri. You have already seen my comments - the grid is the star on this occasion. Nice to get the long solution first and then to fill in the rest. 3d my COTD. Thanks. PM

Great stuff overall, thanks, and I’m glad Gennaro noted that extra treat. 27a for some reason was my favorite (delightful) along with 12a and the use of ‘completely’ in 8a. Thanks again

It's voodoo. It's the only explanation.

Truly sterling Henry, absolutely all my favourite. The winner was crosswords here!

Thanks Henri. The view at the end was well worth the journey, but so much to admire along the way too. 4d, 28d, 8a and 11a in particular are ones for the photo album.

Very good :-D

Hah! That was a cracker Henri...