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I think 5a is simply a cryptic clue whereby the final word of the clue start the solution word. Maybe wrong.

I think they’re called &lits

I don't like the way the online version immediately "submits" the grid as the last word is entered. I'd got a typo or two in there and would like to check stuff before it goes in!

It asked me if I wanted to submit

18 d could just mean "this chap", often one who has drawn the short straw, and three letter word for face comes into it, but I can't get the stage bit. 23a is a word for formally welcoming someone, with the "t" moving back a place, and the lecturer could have been a learner. I found thus a bit of a curate's egg!

18d. the first 6 letters are a word for grimacing with the final g dropped, hence pullin’ faces. Front of stage yields the final single letter.

Thanks Jon for parsing 18.
And Bob, curate's egg indeed!

I did like the Spooner (normally not a fan).