Cryptic crossword No 3,809

Spoilers overleaf ->

Absolutely superb!

Lovely! 25a a new one for me. Faves 9a, 29a, 32a, 5d, 16d, 18d

Great fun, Henri, and a worthy theme - though my usual theme blindness meant I did not spot it but I enjoyed seeing it explained in your Spoiler comment. 10a/11d, 17a, 31a, 16d and 20d my faves. There is nothing like a nice succinct clue ... and 25a is nothing like a nice succinct clue 🤣 Thanks. PM

Thanks Henri for a very entertaining crossword. This was quite straightforward compared to some of your more 'twisted' offerings but it was clever nonetheless. Favourites included 29a, 31a, 3d, 20d, and 22d (same era, different vibe). More in reply

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WOAH - hats off!

Hi Henri. What great concept for a crossword! Hats off for an impressive grid fill. As for the clues themselves, 10a/11d, 9a, and 3d were favourites in addition to 25a - that's one you don't see in crosswords very often

Great stuff, managed to complete it with only two reveals. Didn't twig to the theme but I've got an earworm now!

Well it was easier to solve than Gennaro’s but HOW did you set a thing like that?!! It just makes anything seem possible. Thanks Henri- maybe in 50 years I’ll do a commemoration puzzle to celebrate it 😄

Henri, I haven't had the chance to finish (or name a tune) yet but have greatly enjoyed the (north) half that I've done thus far, including many clever definitions. 10a 5d 13d 22d some favs, thank you

That's amazing. If I had to pick a favourite, it would be 16d. [You seem to get a mention in IO in the FT today]

Brilliant crossword Henry! Of course I failed to spot the theme despite your helpful hints. 18d fooled me- I tried two other starting letters before finally getting the right one. Both seemed to fit a definition (but didn't fit the wordplay.) Thank you.