Cryptic crossword No 471

Thanks Laccaria. Took me a while, but enjoyable sparkles throughout. I particularly liked 22a, 27a, 2d, 5d, 17d, 19d & 24d among others. A few I have yet to review through the annotated solutions to understand the wordplay. If I still have any questions after that, I’ll put them in a reply to this. But for now, your style much appreciated - it seems quite unique!

Great stuff! Had to do some googling to work out the theme, should have got it!

Smashing work, Laccaria. I found this quite tough in places, but satisfying to solve - exactly what I look for in a crossword. Favourites were 1a, 18a, 22a, 6d, 7d (this one really tickled me), 19d. I completely forgot about the centenary while solving, but remembered to look for it afterwards... very good! A subject dear to my heart. Nicely done.

Thanks, all, for comments - too generous, I'm sure I don't deserve all that praise! I had to rush to finish the clueing and get it posted on the centenary, which was, of course, of .... SPOILER BELOW:

Thanks Laccaria, this was fun to solve, though tricky in places. I'm afraid the theme sailed straight past me but that didn't affect the enjoyment. Favourite clues were 11a, 12a 4d, 22a, 2d and 19d. I don't generally like Spoonerisms, but 17d is a very good one.

I did spot Wicker Man but have never watched the whole film and didn't even know Christopher Lee was in it so I'm afraid the theme passed me by. But the puzzle had plenty to enjoy, irrespective of that. 1a, 18a, 22a, 28a, 3d, 16d, 19d, 24d were favourites. Spoilers in reply.