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