well I have it all done and both parts of the theme, but parsing is still beyond me on some: 7, for instance ... and then where does the first letter come from in 28? why are drag queens saying 13? Does "deserted" give the first letter of 20 - (my Chambers is in France!). 9 definition and answer seem to be different parts of speech ... I'll carry on puzzling before submitting so as not to provoke spoilers so early. Very clever crossword and an enjoyable solve, though I didn't know the thematic reference and much of the parsing is rather tortuous ...