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The theme is Radio 4. All the references to people and shows in the clues (and there are many) are on radio 4 (I believe). It took me until Brian Aldridge see it.

Thanks Jono, now I see it. And forgot to note the return of the Reverend Spooner.

Agree with all the comments. Tremendous effort by Everyman (guest setter John Finnemore??) to get some sort of Radio 4 reference into every clue or answer, but was it really worth it, given how much was sacrificed in terms of surface and clarity? Not to mention the fact that it's deeply unfair to the rest of the world's solvers. (Kudos Geeker - it's astonishing that you even got close, let alone finished it!)
Personally, I'm technically a DNF as I can't parse 26D at all, despite needing only one letter. Can anyone help?

Edc. I think 27a may be one letter followed by a partial word. Best I can do.

Phil, for 26d out two letters in front of your answer (hour and yes) and you’ll get one who laughs…

Phil 10000. 26d. I am going with a partial animal. I can just about convince myself.

Sorry, crossed with Jono.

Thanks Jono and Smudge. Got it, but it must be one of the worst clues ever in an Everyman.

EDC re 27a. Smudgekent is right - single letter followed by a four letter word with the first letter lopped off (think express checkout at the supermarket). Definition is check, as in stop.

What a strange weekend, with the prize feeling like an everyman, and vice versa. It think it's the only time I can remember finishing both in single sittings without much head scratching. LOI the ridiculously easy (in retrospect) 23d as the crosses had me convinced that I should be starting with the aviation firm Havilland...I felt rather sheepish when I finally had the PDM. I liked the theme & welcomed the return of Dr Spooner but on the whole look forward to normal service being resumed. Have a great Sunday all.