Cryptic crossword No 659

This was certainly perplexing and a lot of fun working it out.

Thanks for the puzzle Mr P, some lovely stuff in here! I particularly liked...

Hi MrP, thanks for an interesting trip through a quirky puzzle with some very nice clues, esp. 12a, 15a, 17a, 27a and 14d. You’ve had excellent technical comments from sirdakka, and I can’t improve on those. If I could make one general comment and suggestion…….

Hello, MrP. First time I've seen one of yours. I think I'm in agreement with other commenters so far: plenty to like, a few things that could be tightened up but nothing too serious. Favourites for me include: 4a (splendid), 11a (nice def), 12a (yes - needs a QM but a lovely construct), 17a (very smooth), 3d (works well), 6d (COTD - super job), 8d (lol), 23d (cleanly done), 25d (weird concept - sound particle - but it works!). Spoilers in reply. Thanks. PM