Cryptic crossword No 1,496

Nice one Chopin, thanks! Relatively gentle for the most part although LOI 12a took me much longer than it should have done. Well done on working yourself into 18a - a very good example of the type. Other favourites included 9a, 19a, 23a, 5d, 8d and 19d.

Thanks Chopin that was a lot of fun. Particularly enjoyed 10a, 14d, 19d and of course 12a which paints the most delightful picture! Couldn't parse 18a - had to look at your solutions - v. clever 🤓

Thanks Chopin. Some super stuff here which I enjoyed a lot. My faves were 9a, 10a (nice def 1), 12a (hilarious), 19a, 20a, (but error in your notes), 26a, 5d, 18d (v clever). A couple of minor observations ...

Nicely done, Chopin. I enjoyed 1a, 6a, 15a, 3d, 7d and 14d which is outrageous. Spoiler in Reply. Thanks. PM