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It looks as if Philistine used the same trick - combining the anagrist and anagrind in one word - in 5a, if I have parsed it correctly.

He did indeed, well spotted Rainman:-)

I usually find the Prize Crossword a bit of a slog, so this was a pleasant change for me. It still took a bit longer than it should have because I was convinced that the answer to 2,22 was what cricketers shout. I was rather disappointed when it wasn't, although the clue is quite elegant.

Hi Rainman,

After the trials and tribulations of last week's crossword, I was delighted by this puzzle from Philistine. It had lots of humour and the parsing, for the most part, wasn't too taxing.

For those that are interested, here is a short Q&A with the man himself

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/crossword-blog/2013/jan/31/crossword-blog-meet-the-setter-philistine

Morning all,
Philistine last set the prize in March and there was a very distinct theme on that occasion (remember Tintin?), so I was convinced there would be one today.
I also figured 5d must be a very deliberate choice by the setter and so possibly a theme indication. But not to be as far as I can tell… perhaps someone can spot something.
Found the NE corner to be the trickiest.
I liked the range of devices including the two instances ‘lift and separate’.
Least convinced by 17a and 12d, but not complaining, all in all very enjoyable. Favourites 15d (I wonder if this works outside the uk?) and 5d.

Haven’t parsed 6d but I see others have, so I’m expecting a PDM as soon as I’ve posted this, I think that’s how it works ;-)
Cheers all

Bingo! It worked, 6d is rather good

I liked the anagrist/anagrind pairs.
Still can't see the parsing for 6d, or - PDM for 23a as I was typing!
Meaningless "in" in 7d.

There is a connection (perhaps unintended) between 20a and 5d, but it’s a different 20a to the one the clue refers to. This 20a was known as the ‘Saviour of 5d’.

I need tips for 23a and 24a.
23a) I have a word for "unharmed"
24a) I have a fancy word for "as a devoted husband"

23 if you put the standard crosswrod queen into your answer, you'll get a word for "communicate"
24 "on vacation" means take the insides out of words