Cryptic crossword No 31

This is my first crossword. I would be interested in feedback on the clues. Which clues did you like and why? Which ones did you not like and why?

For a first effort, Madcap, very good work and well done - lots to like here. But I will suggest, perhaps better not to build around a theme on your very first puzzle. Try compiling 'plain' ones until you've had a bit of practice. Some good clues: I liked 1a and ...(contd.)

Thanks Madcap, and welcome! It's always great to see new setters on the site. On the whole I would say it's a good first puzzle with a nice theme. 18a is superb (!) and I also liked 12a and 2d. (1/3)

Welcome, Madcap. For a first effort this is really good; though I would echo Laccaria's suggestion that a multi-word answer is best avoided unless is is "a well known phrase or saying". I couldn't quite make 28A work, though there's a very clever idea in there; also [cont...