Cryptic crossword No 2,355

There's only one word that can sum this puzzle up, and I imagine you already know what it is ;P - my top three were 20a (I didn't get it, but it's rather cute), 5d (apropos indeed!) and 15d (it's possible that, by this point, I would have laughed at just about anything, but as it happened, "repetitive part of Hey Jude" completely took me out). I hope this was as fun to set as it was to solve, 'cause I can imagine trying to innovate for every single clue must have been quite the challenge!

I've finished it, but don't see the theme? It's not mentioned in the annotated solutions.

I slipped up on a few early on, which sent me round the bend somewhat. However, I kept my eyes peeled for a theme, and ended up feeling highly enthused. Thanks a bunch.

😂

This puzzle deserves a hand, for sure. 🤣🤣🤣 👏👏👏

Oh, chapeau! 🎩 and a record solve time too 😆

Loved this, thanks for a most entertaining puzzle. A lovely idea well executed

Not sure what I can say that others have not, but you certainly are! A theme, you say?

😂

Wow! Just wow! 🙄

Ha, brilliantly ridiculous! Great fun. Ta lots.

Is this what some solvers mean when they say a crossword is a 'write-in'? Thanks Polymath for the fun.

Bookmarking, thank you

I'm so glad this puzzle was recommended to me. With 8a, 20a, 21a, 7d, 19d as my favs, you've taken this Don Manley exercise (http://tiny.cc/SomeManleyClues) to greater, more ridiculous, and more fabulous heights. I raise a curved fruit to the forehead and salute you in full.