Definitely not easy for this American. I did know just enough to spot the theme early on, but not much help. A lot of looking up stuff, including my LOI 27. Other than that and the much discussed 19, the non-thematic clues weren’t too difficult though.
Hit the sweet spot for me, a theme I know very well and spotted early. Also helped by the number of London references, plus Ambridge, Slade etc. Though I did start to think this might be unfair for some. Only 19d had me scratching my head as I didn’t know that particular reference.
Thanks to Maskarade, good fun.
Not finished yet, and I'm not sure I'll bother to - one of my least favourite setters.
I'm intrigued by the reference to the grid and the theme, as I haven't seen it yet, and so at present 13d is genuinely ambiguous, with the questionable letter not checked.
I'm not a fan of the theme but recognised most of the references I think. A lot of UK GK required, I am sure I would have struggled with quite a few if I were not of a certain age and a Londoner. I also needed Google to confirm that 24a was an actual word, now I know it I am sure it will crop up in other CWs. Congratulations to Maskarade on weaving so many themed answers in. As far as I can tell there were also 2 clues that alluded to the theme. Very clever.
Right in my sweet spot. The themed across answers are 9,10,12,14,18,23,24 (part)),26,27,28 plus 21 at a pinch. Downs are 2,3,5,13,17 plus 26 if you are a fan. What have I missed?
I thought this was fun, found it pretty straightforward though. I even spotted the theme halfway through! Impressed that Maskerade managed to put so many thematic clues in.
Thanks Maskerade, cheers everyone.