Cryptic crossword No 3,609

Thanks Sisyphus. I learned three things from this: 1. Lapidary is not just the art of working with stones. 2. Whimsily is a variation of whimsically. 3. Red Devils is the nickname for 'Man U'. Several favourites to mention. 14a, 26a, 15d, 19d and 20a There were a few I pondered over...

Should have mentioned 16d in favourites. A few musings: I thought 'responsible' in 13a was redundant as the definition 'defensive alliance' would suffice. I thought 24a was the weakest clue being not very cryptic beyond the diverse meanings of theatre. Also, I don't see a 'hidden' indicator in 7d. Finally, is Newcastle Town sufficient to indicate 'toon'?