Oh, a1philosopher, I see what you mean by (5, 6, 29). I was trying to fit the whole words in, which made no sense. Now that I realise what you mean, I agree.
@Eagle, that’s great, then we match! It’s fair to say this was a very satisfying prize crossword. I used to be be connected to Qaos on Twitter but he’s popped off somewhere else so I can’t message him directly any longer, which is a shame
I finally got the 7 names after being stuck on 6. Weirdly, the one I was missing is the one most often featured in crosswords...excuse is that it involved dropping the first letter of a solution rather than concluding letters. 🤣 I still suspect 30 might be thematic, but if so it's nobody I've heard of.
Regarding 30, I maintain it has thematic potential, but I doubt Qaos intended the following (for instance, though the latter certainly deserves inclusion):
Many theme artists could be considered as or were 30 across - at least one Sister and one Rev spring immediately to mind but no full name in the solutions as there are for the other theme artists
aIphilospher @66 I agree themed crosswords are excellent for all the reasons you gave. Only got the theme after I finished and checked forum— recognised two straight away.
A great crossword, thank you Qaos but not as “gentle” for me as it apparently was for others.