Cryptic crossword No 529

I’m tempted to recommend quickly reading the two storylines in the Wikipedia articles before solving to refresh the memory of characters and plot. Up to you: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice%27s_Adventures_in_Wonderland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Through_the_Looking-Glass There is a tad more repetition than ideal. Hopefully understandable, given the theme. Enjoy!

Phew - got there in the end (admittedly a few reveals)! Very impressive to work the theme into every surface, PM - well done! Huge difference in difficulty in the clues resulting in me solving about half relatively quickly and then slowing to a crawl. Some gems: 15A, 17A, 3D, 13D (very sneaky!) and 14D (COTD). Spoilers in reply.

Deleted

I hate making post-publication edits - but that is the risk one runs when going without a test solve as I did with Alice. Apologies. Some minor edits suggested by early commenters have been gratefully taken on board.

Very impressed by the theme! 9A, 10A, 30A are clues I want to pick out. Some I didn't get but it was worth reading all of the clues for the surfaces. Nicely done!

Very well done in carrying the theme through, a significant undertaking! I have little knowledge of the source material and managed to complete with minimal assistance which is a great sign I would say. My favourite clues were 9a, 20a, 3d (twins from Queen is nice), 4d, 13d and 24d.

Well done, PM - the theme is a subject dear to my heart, so no revision needed here. Nicely executed - much to the Queen of Hearts’ delight, I’m sure. Favourites for me were 18a, 4d, 14d

Really impressive puzzle, not as difficult as it seemed from first appearances. I failed at the end in the NE, having to reveal 7d and 8d - liberties taken with both of those and elsewhere (eg I don't think w for white is UK dictionary supported), I think, but you did warn us! I wondered if 13a was a Blues Brothers ref too, btw. Loads of good clues, but the three stand-outs were the ace 15a, 27a and 19d.

Lol PM - very impressive surfaces liked 12A (now it has a def) 14D and of course 1D (grrr 🤣)

Thanks for the puzzle PM, that was impressively creative and a very satisfying solve! Tons to love here, with favourite surfaces belonging to 10a, 18a, 25a, 27a, 31a, 3d, 5d, 7d, 14d, 16d, 21d, 23d, 28d and 29d, a veritable feast. Favourite solves were 9a, 10a, 11a, 13a, 15a, 20a, 22a, 25a, 27a, 31a, 2d, 3d, 4d, 5d, 7d, 13d, 14d, 16d, 26d and 29d. Smashed the theme completely, bravo!

Drawn in by the bright lights and down the rabbit hole This was a lovely crossword I haven't seen a theme quite like this before

Well hats off to you PM. What a puzzle! Your surfaces reliably entertain but this is a great achievement, hopefully as fun to set as it was to solve. Very fun throughout but my standout clues were 3d 4d 10a 19d and 24d. Well done!

Very impressed. Thematically comprehensive and a mention for another poster, though perhaps he wouldn't appreciate the association with madness.

Very late to the tea-party, I've just finished. I love a literary themed puzzle and this was very good. I've solved it over such a long period that I've forgotten my favourite clues - and some of them seem to have changed anyway! Generally though, very impressive to have thematic content throughout without sacrificing quality. Funnily enough, 12A was my first in, even before the definition arrived. One of my last in was 11A: intricate wordplay but it works, and brilliant surface.

Liked this. The surface readings were entertaining before actually trying to solve anything. Favourite clues 27 ac and 24 d. Keep it up!