Cryptic crossword No 3,268

Excellent! I was expecting tomfoolery today but as far as I can tell this was an honest tribute of the highest cryptic order. All masterfully clued, hard to pick favourites but certainly these amongst them: 1a, 16a (so neat!), 18a, 24a, 28a, 2d, 7d, & 8d. Thanks for the inspiration. I just wish you hadn’t nicked one of my own clues from a current draft puzzle!

Very enjoyable - bit of a challenge in places with devious constructions and some fun surfaces, a few NHO's for me and I'm afraid the theme completely passed me by! Cotd 8d closely followed by 17d, 19d, 20a, 18a, 28a 26a, 25a (very tricky) - thanks Henri

Thanks Henri for a very enjoyable crossword with the usual supply of excellent clues. My favourites included 23a, 25a, 26a, 28a, 5d, and 25d. More in reply.

So clever! 🙌🏻 It took me ages to understand 5D even when I had the answer, until I finally clocked the theme! Very much liked 6a, 14a and 8d for the definitions. I also particularly enjoyed 20a and 28a

Good Job Henri. As soon as I got to 5d I was wondering; thought 1a was going to be key and then things became clearer. I did need the Thing for some answers so was glad to spot it. Too many favourites - 6a, 28a and 8d would be the podium, though. Thanks. PM

Lovely as always Henri! Got the theme (mostly anyway) and an enjoyable solve to boot. Favourites were 11a, 14a, 23a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 8d, 17d and 25d. Did have to reveal 19d (an NHO), but it’s perfectly fairly clued.

Newbie to the site. Loved this, esp 18a, 24a, 28a, 8d. Had to reveal a final few. Got the theme but totally failed to spot the ninas, which make it all the more impressive (though it you read clockwise from 8 you get a slightly different message!). Like PostMark I thought it was also going to be a pangram, but it wasn't Quite to be. Thank you!

Super stuff Henri, thanks. A really nicely worked theme, which I actually spotted (although not quite all of the components). Lots of good clues but I’ll pick out 6a, 26a, 28a, 5d, 8d and 17d for special mention.

Haven't finished yet Henri but just popping in to commend you on 8d!