Cryptic crossword No 2,026

Very nice, PM - particular admiration for 11a, 7d, 13d, and 16d. I had to carefully read the instructions for 12a (my LOI) but it was ultimately clear.

Terrific definitions as ever, PM: 10a, 11a, 14a, 7d, and 19d the highlights. Was more on your wavelength than usual, although that didn't stop me being defeated by a couple of clues (25a, 8d). Still, all terrifically clued as per. Thanks!

Thanks PostMark for another excellent crossword. I found this difficult at first but once I got going it seemed to become easier. I did reveal 1a, I missed 12a, and needed your notes to parse 26a. I had lots of favourites including 5a, 10a, 11a, 14a, 25a, 2d, 13d, and 19d. More in reply.

Great stuff PM, thanks. I thought I was going to really struggle about halfway in, but I hung in there and it gradually unfolded (apart from a slight misstep on 12a). Lots of very neat constructions and deceptive definitions. Favourites: 1a, 11a, 18a, 25a, 26a, 7d, 13d, 23d and 24d.

Cheers PM, cracking puzzle but defeated by the tricky WP in 12a and NHO 26a and elements of 24d. 8d was very satisfying to solve, some lovely anagrams in 15d, 11a, and enjoyed 6d, 1d, 27a, 25a (you didn't fool me, I'm afraid), 22a, And 14a

Very assured and classy as ever PM, but perhaps aimed at better solvers than me!! I struggled in parts with some trademark stretchy (tho' fair) definitions but enjoyed 1a, 10a, 12a, 27a, 7d (is it fair? Dunno, but it's a damn good joke!)19d, 24d.

Classic PM puzzle - nice surfaces, clever synonyms and for me relatively accessible up to the three-quarters mark then rather tougher! Liked 1a (yes, I got the reference 😆), 14a, 7d, 13d and 18d. A couple of observations in the reply. Thanks!

Thanks PM, super stuff. My experience similar to Henri's, with 1a's ref a big favourite. Other faves include 10a, 22a, 26a, 4d, 8d & 19d. Spoilers ...

Excellent as ever PM! Lots to like - my particular favourites were 10a, 14a, 26a, 6d and 24d. More in reply...

Lots to enjoy here, slowed up about halfway in but carried on and very nearly got there (needing a couple of reveals). Particularly liked 1a, 10a, 12a, 18a, 27a, 6d, 15d, 23d. ...

Late to the party, but how could I not? Just when I think you can’t possibly get any smoother you roll out another snorter! 1a’s super. Can I be the only chump who plumped, initially, for comic ****? Loved 10a, 7d, 13d and 19d. Etc. Ta lots.