Cryptic crossword No 2,783

Apologies for poorly-connected grid and a few obscurities - hopefully thematically worth it 🙂

Fantastic. The grid *is* pretty unpleasant, but well worth it for the impressive gridfill. I got one half of the theme early on, though it didn't help much, then the other half clicked later and it was *very* helpful with a few of the more obscure answers. Lots of ticks: 5a 7d 8d 11a 22d 25a 27d 32a, plus the two that gave me most trouble, 23a and 13d.

WOAH! That is quite an achievement!

Beaten by 2 but really enjoyed it. My fav surfaces were 10a, 33a, 7d, 8d and 15d. 30d makes me think of a director but I see no other link.

Thanks Fez. Got the director but not the film. Impressive grid fill. Revealed a couple but mostly made quick work of the clues. Faves were 5a, 10a, 32a, 15d, & 30d.

So you recommend the theme I take it? Classic Fez challenge that I did not totally conquer. Faves include 5a,10a,28a and 7d,15d,24d,27d,30d. (NHO 1d but neat cluing unlocked it)

Very enjoyable Fez although I found it quite tricky in places. I learnt a few things along the way which I've noted (always a bonus), particularly abbreviations unfamiliar to me - ST (stumped) AT (alternative technology), R (rare), OO (wool). Also the use of 'and' in 33a I like. 29d NHO. Favourites are 13a, 15a, 28a, 32a Many thanks!

I really wanted to solve this but, again, I had to reveal most of it. Lots of new knowledge for me, compounded by the fact my education (such as it was) occurred in Australia. That’s not on you. But, in the spirit of the community rules, I have some quibbles, which I'll put in the next comment.

Loved this, Fez. 3d lol. Many favs to add (I wrote them down last week and will try to find that annotated grid!). I know 11a was one of them and the very cool 31a