Cryptic crossword No 1,986

Hahaha! That penny drop about two-thirds of the way in was magnificent, I actually laughed out loud and woke the dogs 😆 Superb idea and execution, bravo 👏

I usually find SIs about as appealing as an STI but this one was utterly irresistible. Very funny grid. Bravo. 9a’s a tricky-ish def but a magnificent surface, 12a’s entertainingly bonkers and 2d made me smile. That “A” is slighty naughty, mind! 5d’s “grass to smuggle” is lovely. 14d’s a great def, but why “danced” not “dances”? Never bothers me but there are those who may faint! Thoroughly enjoyable, this. Excellent. Ta lots.

Haha 😂 fabulous grid, thanks Gumboot. Saw what was going on relatively early, which was a great help in completing the puzzle too! A few raised eyebrows along the way but given the magnificent theming even I'm going to resist quibbles ... very entertaining, thanks again!