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Yes absolutely quisling thank you for input - I've been staring at that clue for ages until you provided parsing that made sense to me! Annoyed with myself, that is the only other old dramatist I know and I couldn't see parsing and dismissed it. Was stuck on the form of transport.

This has been a slog but fun, thanks for all hints. I've just got 24/21 combo left, could I have hints as to the definitions I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance

I think 24 parses as 1,4,2 with the second 1 inserted into 4 letter one. Definition expert

24 def is first word. It parses as 1 then 1 inside 4.
21 def rather whimsically is first 4 words. It parses as 2 inside 5.

Sorry Jono our posts crossed, and of course I meant 1,4,1!

Quisling, I hope you don't disappear. I, for one, always value your contributions.

Oh for heaven's sake, just got 21d. (Shakes head at herself)

Will have another ponder on 24a, thanks!

This seems harder than the last Vlad and Brockwell - has me pining for Paul (which I never thought I’d say).
Perhaps accidentally 26 is actually the name of a Welsh indie band from 80s/90s - John Peel was a fan.

Just achieved what I thought was impossible , completed Vlad.
To anyone who is still struggling don’t give up it can be done and the wow factor feels so good.
Started off well with 1 ,2 and 16 but soon ground to a halt then things began to click.
Quisling no apologies necessary you are right , please continue to contribute . 18 not a good clue.
FOI 1 LOI 23 COD of course the brilliant 19 but wonderful 26 and hilarious 21 have to be included.
Was sure of answer to 11 but struggled to parse even getting significance of first Mrs Vlad, still not sure of parsing.
Thank you Vlad for a very enjoyable and testing puzzle .

@68.
I had it as "Mrs Vlad" inside "a", as in so much a pound and abbreviated "place", followed by "in" and abbreviated "government".
Clumsy but I think it works.

Thanks quocunque I got the Mrs Vlad and abbreviated in government but didn’t think of the so much a pound. Should have got abbreviated place.