Cryptic crossword No 1,950

This is terrific from top to bottom, Coot, with 5a, 10a, 28a, 29a, 30a, 1d, 3d, 4d, 16d, 27d all class in my book. 25a had me wondering what on earth was going on in the auditorium though, lol.

Some incidental background to this puzzle in barely spoilery replies …

Very nice, Coot. 10a my favourite by a long chalk, but I'll also single out 13a, 3d, and 27d as being particularly good

Thanks Coot, that was a great display of masterful setting. My top picks were 5a, 10a, 1d, 3d, 4d 14d 24d, and 7d. More in reply.

Solid puzzle, quite approachable compared with some of your other works of late. 30a, 31a, 4d/14d/24d all earned ticks but I agree with Amoeba that 10a steals the show. Thanks. PM

Very nice, thanks Coot. Faves include 10a of course & also 17a, 29a, 31a, 1d, 4d 14d 24d, 9d & 27d. Spoilers ...

Magnificent – anyone would think you did this professionally!! 10a’s hilarious, 12a’s funny and 28a made me smile. I especially enjoyed 29a, 30a, 1d, 4d+, and 22d. I must remember “marches”. Smart. Non-niggles …

Great! Nothing to add to what's already been said. Not a duff clue in there!

Great stuff, thanks Coot. Lots of great clues, I'll pick out 10a, 11a, 30a, 8d and 27d as favourites.

Lots to like. Especially enjoyed 4,14,24d. Haven't personally seen 'marches' used before as in 22d (not a criticism, btw)

Late to this particular soirée but glad I came! Super throughout but the plaudits that met 10a are very well-deserved, a superb clue 👌

Enjoyed this, thank you. Approachable, although done over two sittings. Lots to like, including 10a, 28a, 30a, 1d, 8d, 27d...

Thanks Coot! Fun puzzle. 10a 13a 15a my faves!