Cryptic crossword No 2,305

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Well done chaps. Your SI indicates a theme so this is no spoiler. I recognised some theme components but not how they were connected - which, on reading the annotations, is no surprise. Cunningly done but way beyond my ability to piece the jigsaw together. An intriguing mix of very tricky and much more approachable clues. Faves inc 6a, 11a, 18a, 24a, 28a, 8d, 13d, 16d, 17d and 23d. Thanks. PM

Very clever! Much too clever for me, unfortunately! Managed just over half before reading the notes and admiring the ingenuity. Certainly felt that the grid made this particularly difficult. Favourites from those I solved: 10a, 14a, 22a, 30a, 20d and 23d.

Bravo Mort, an impressive set of clues but the grid was the star of the show. I'm afraid I required your annos to appreciate what you were up to, as I couldn't crack the SI, but it was delightfully done. Particular faves included 5a (very neat), 10a (fun misdirection), 18a (very neat), 22a (satisfyingly tricky), 31a (cute), 7d (neat), 16d (excellent example of the device), 20d (cute), 23d (fun) and 29d (nice construction). Thanks for the puzzle!

Very good stuff! I too needed the annos to see what was going on, although I did spot some bits and pieces, of course. The SE corner in particular needed a couple of strikes of lightning to complete, but all nicely done. 17d was my pick, followed by 24a(!) and 31a (har har).

NO WAY!