I have a full grid, the four modified answers, the theme, and the four vertical straight lines. What I cannot see, even after much grid-staring, is what to highlight. Any help would be gratefully received.
Look for bits of the thing described by the word that follows what the lines form in the essential feature of the theme -- and you'll find the lines nicely hanging from what results.
You;re both ahead of me! Bottom half done, though I don't understand 35ac, 37ac. Nothing done in NE corner - hint please to 9d ( is it in Italian?) and 5dn or 7dn
Dylan - I think we're both at a similar stage. 37a is shortened kicking (excellent). I don't understand 35 either. 5 is moppet (child) shortened with r. Hope this helps!
I am in exactly the same completion state as carpox1 but even with the help of throck I cannot spot the three components of, I think, the ****. A nudge to, say, where one of them starts would be gratefully received.