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Finished this morning, definitely one of the most enjoyable prize crosswords. Brilliant gimmick Picaroon is a master.
My only quibble is 6d not up to standard of rest IMO.
Too many excellent clues to pick a COD.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

A very enjoyable challenge. Thanks to Picaroon and thanks to all the helpers I found here!
I particularly liked the way 15 17 must be interpreted differently for each of the references to it. 8d helped me work out 15 17 but I spent a long time failing to find similar answers for 20, 19 etc. And we’ll spotted Jono for the use of the 17, I’m sure I’d never have noticed that touch of genius from P

On to Everyman…. (in between my granddaughters 6th birthday party with 25 schoolmates!)
Have a great day all and thanks again

Hi everyone, I've enjoyed this but struggled with the last couple. 2d a new word to me. I wasn't sure about my 6d at all but I don't seem to be the only one - it's not really 'superficial' is it? And I don't see how it fits with ballad - am I missing something?

Havermonkey, letters 3, 4 and 5 of the answer are another word for a ballad. Chambers has calls it short narrative poem, a lyric or a song. I think knowing that makes the clue work much better.

the last 4 letters of 6d are an alternative word for ballads

Thanks Jono. I was googling definitions but couldn't see that.

Hi all. Thanks for various hints.
Enjoying this but stuck on the overall theme and 12 & 14 Across and 19,21 & 24 down.
Any hints welcome.
Thanks

Hi barry
15 definition by example violet
17 a pupil at Eton would be a ? Homophone for edge
19 will be easier if you have 15,17
21 modern(ish) artist - blocks of colour
24 the plot ties in with the overall theme

14 was a Romanian sculptor
3 letters fir smuggled, 1 letter for cocaine, both inside a vehicle (3) + ibiza primarily

excuse typos, typing with one hand due to injury