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Has anyone completed this yet?
I have got the theme, and have completed the right-hand side, but am at a complete loss with the entries on the left side which need adapting.
I think I have the core part of 7a but can't see the original word, for example.
Any shove in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry Nikki, I've got what I believe is the answer for 7a but, like you, can't see the original word. I'm also stuck on 9 and 17 so hints (not answers please) would be welcome.

Not a very satisfactory crossword IMO - I don't like the fact that the entries aren't real words..... not very elegant. And as for 13d..... well!

9a is C+theme, 17a is M+theme.
In return, could you offer me a hint for 13d? I think I have the second word, but have no secure crossing letters for the first.

Very difficult to offer a hint for 13d without making it a spoiler. I'm sure you'll have got the 2nd word correct - it's the obvious one from the clue. I got the 3 crossing letters in the first word and then used a word finder just for the first word (with '?'s for the missing letters) which gave me a word that I'd never heard of but the meaning showed it to be correct. Go for 12, 15 and 20 and then try 13 again.

Sorry if that's all a bit obtuse.

7a Think metal for original word

Is the first letter a B or F?

Sorry, for 13a, is the first letter a B or F?

No

13d, even...

No, sorry.

For 12a, think of features in a theatre.