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Graham, I haven't got my copy to hand, but I thought we were to portray the subject, using the appropriate ...., around the figure. The subject, a nice long word....

Fun puzzle! I think we may have had this theme before, a few years ago? Maybe in Listener.
I have one cell empty. I have an unclued AR?A.
Can't match it up with the one theme word I have left!
There's a few extra words that seem to pair with more than one, maybe that's where I have gone wrong.

Lumen, the pairing of your last word could describe an ambiguous situation ...

Lumen, I've not got my copy and I had masses of notes anyway, with different pairs all over the place. Would the colour of my hair, darker than white, lighter than black, work? With the right AR?A, that would lead to a dodgy place (almost the definition...)

Thanks both, that must be right!
And quite an appropriate phrase.
As I said, I already paired that theme word with another extra!
I'm sure I can sort it now...

No. Left with a fairly obscure whiskey brand for my final pairing!

Lumen, I know I had to change several of my pairings and I don't think I could face trying to line them all up again - that's good, because I am many miles away from the finished grid and notes! The one I suggested might have been one that I ended up rejecting.

Lumen. I’m guessing I have the same whisky. I decided it was correct!

Nice challenge, but when I discovered the theme I was not relishing a dive into the intricacies of the work to complete the puzzle. But I took the plunge. And what a depressing investigation it was. It's hard to credit just how crass the works are - completely lacking in artistry, taste or subtlety. How such doggerel was ever taken seriously is baffling.

I enjoyed this as it brought back many happy memories.
I am still puzzled by one clue. 14A According to Ed, desert troop is east of Australian port. I have removed what must be the extra word and have
?BAND. Any hint please.