Cryptic crossword No 2,041

Well done chaps. Wondered when we might see Mort again. Plenty to like in here including 9a, 10a, 12a, 32a, 2d, 5d, 13d, 21d and 22d. Thanks. PM

For the second time today (unheard of) a theme that slapped me round the face from the off. Marvellous. PM’s comment drew me in as I’d just stubbed out Coot’s like-mindedness in the Indy. How could I say no? Massive likes for 1a, 9a, 14a (impossible not to love a clue that involves a “royale with cheese”), 3d (great surface, I’ve never seen owt like it!) and 21d. Ta lots for this. Medieval fun indeed.

Well, that was an example of YMMV (your mileage may vary, for the unaware) for me. Struggled to get on your wavelength at times, Mort, with the relative lengthy clues and I didn't get the enjoyment out of it that your efforts clearly deserved! More spoilery stuff in reply...

Very nicely done, Mort. A superbly worked theme with challenging surfaces but all fairly clued. 28a, 30a, 2d, 3d, 26d and 29d the highlights for me. Thanks!

Well done chaps - that's quite a tour de force! Beaten by a few in the end but at least I had no problem in spotting the theme this time - in fact, I spotted it as soon as I saw the picture! The grid and surface theming steal the show, but I'll also give a special mention to: 11a, 14a, 25a (!), 31a, 3d, 24d and 26d.