Cryptic crossword No 2,783

Apologies for poorly-connected grid and a few obscurities - hopefully thematically worth it 🙂

Fantastic. The grid *is* pretty unpleasant, but well worth it for the impressive gridfill. I got one half of the theme early on, though it didn't help much, then the other half clicked later and it was *very* helpful with a few of the more obscure answers. Lots of ticks: 5a 7d 8d 11a 22d 25a 27d 32a, plus the two that gave me most trouble, 23a and 13d.

WOAH! That is quite an achievement!

Beaten by 2 but really enjoyed it. My fav surfaces were 10a, 33a, 7d, 8d and 15d. 30d makes me think of a director but I see no other link.

Thanks Fez. Got the director but not the film. Impressive grid fill. Revealed a couple but mostly made quick work of the clues. Faves were 5a, 10a, 32a, 15d, & 30d.

So you recommend the theme I take it? Classic Fez challenge that I did not totally conquer. Faves include 5a,10a,28a and 7d,15d,24d,27d,30d. (NHO 1d but neat cluing unlocked it)

Very enjoyable Fez although I found it quite tricky in places. I learnt a few things along the way which I've noted (always a bonus), particularly abbreviations unfamiliar to me - ST (stumped) AT (alternative technology), R (rare), OO (wool). Also the use of 'and' in 33a I like. 29d NHO. Favourites are 13a, 15a, 28a, 32a Many thanks!