Cryptic crossword No 647

This is a reworking of a very old puzzle with mostly new clues. The theme will be easy to spot for anyone familiar with the source material. Some knowledge of the theme may be useful for solving, but for those not familiar with the source material, I hope there is still enough to enjoy here anyway. Spoilers in reply…

Many thanks widdersbel, lots to enjoy and a nicely worked theme. Favourites 1a, 11a, 12a, 16a, 20a, 23a, 25a, 1d, 6d, 10d (mathematician in me both smiled and winced a little, but I think it just about works!), 15d, 21d, 22d. Spoilers follow ...

widders, I looked haplessly at the puzzle for quite a few minutes before I could get in; then cracked an anagram, gained some traction, recognized the theme, and amazed myself by managing an almost completely honest solve. The theme was a huge favourite of mine when I was young, and gave me a number of solutions……

Lovely Puzzle, widders, as I have come to expect. Gentle, clever, witty and with lovely surfaces throughout. I have to confess to being wholly beaten by the interlinked 21d and 23a. Favourites include: 1a, 4a, 8a, 18a, 21a (love a gnu), 24a, 6d, 13d, 19d and, once I'd looked up the answer, 19d. Spoilers in Reply. Thanks. PM

I've read some of the theme a long time ago but was only familiar with the obvious couple. I mus try and read them again. I like the very neat 9a, 11a for the clever shrink-wraps and 22d just because......

While only casually aware of the theme, it did jump out rather satisfyingly after a few key names dropped out and on reading your spoilers I'm impressed with the grid fill. Additionally, you've constructed a wonderful set of clues that proved most satisfying to solve as I snatched brief sessions over the past few days. 1a starts off strong with a fun surface and a lovely construction, 4a I thought particularly neat, 8a stunningly clean as an...

Super stuff, widders - beautifully clued throughout. Not a theme that I am familiar with, so it was something of a struggle, but lots to enjoy. Favourites were 11A, 12A, 25A, 1D, 3D and 7D.

Nice one Widders - I only knew the obvious thematic entries, but enjoyed this nonetheless. Favourites included 9a, 12a, 13a, 21a, 3d, 13d, and 21d.

Brilliant! 2d is my favourite