Listener Crossword 4153: Rhythm for a Dance by Brimstone

[Zabadak]

I think I have it, though one element, the two letter replacement, and one additional word entry are as yet unconfirmed. I'm still trying to justify everything, which looks like being a bit of a slog, but it all looks as if it fits. I have the characters and the title, and I'm half inclined to say "enough is enough" just now, and look on it all with fresh eyes tomorrow.
At the moment, it all feels a bit messy, but thanks to Brimstone for a considerable workout.

[IainGrace]

Grid almost completed but no real idea yet about the theme. Are the "characters" people? Presume there is ultimately some link between the clue answers and the modified answers, as it is not immediately obvious to us thus far.

[IainGrace]

Just got the link between clued and modified answers, so progress....

[aldanna]

Having had the brainwave of actually reading the instructions properly, I too then resorted to the drb method of using the definitions, and I now have a full grid! Now to justify everything and get the characters, but I must be close, I think.

[Paula]

Last two letters finally replaced. A thoroughly enjoyable puzzle - thanks Brimstone

[pushmi-pullyu]

Early confidence was misplaced. I've got a full grid, a title and two characters, but completely stuck on the two letters, and there's still something about the arithmetic that I don't understand.

[IainGrace]

Now had our PDM when we realised what we were (literally) doing with the modifications. Some way to go yet but, we hope, on the last lap.

[Clamzy]

I followed the same pattern as Ahearer, but at a leisurely pace, finding the bottom half easier to fill. Many of us seem to have adopted the dr b method and I did also. This is another of those Listeners where it is not necessary to complete every part in order to get a correct solution. Mine is ready to post but I haven't yet figured out all five clues with thematic words, and one or two need further thought.
Many thanks Brimstone for a stiff workout.

[tristram37]

Even when it's not strictly necessary, as here, I always like to understand the workings of every clue. Some of the modifications were very obscure and it took almost as long to see them all as to do the rest of the puzzle. Nice idea, though.

[kwyjibo]

I think I'd actually finished the puzzle including the two letter changes before I realised that I had, having gone back and read the preamble.

[Cruncher]

Home straight now but took a long time to see the theme and modifications. Nice one

[abns]

Well I think I've finished. I've got a two letter amendment which fits the two unused definitions but I don't understand why it's thematic. Did others who found the two letter amendment unsatisfying have the same problem and if so were they subsequently satisfied?

[dr b]

abns, although only 2 letters need to be changed, the "thematic" parts of both the old and new word are longer than 2 letters.

[abns]

Thanks Dr B - I'd assumed it was just a case of me missing the bleeding obvious and it looks like I was right (although I think I was expecting a bigger final flourish). Agree that fully understanding all of the clues is a bit of a schlep. I think I'm just stuck on 32a and 7d now

[abns]

Got 7d now - an excellent clue for those who enjoy red herrings

[pushmi-pullyu]

Still stuck and feeling very dim.

[perseverer]

Pushmi-pullyu ...... if you want, email me on [email protected] and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

[pushmi-pullyu]

Thank you Perseverer - I'll give it another day in case light dawns, but then I'll call on you!

[borealis]

Got there at last, but my hat is off to Dr B and others who used the extra definitions to fill the grid - I don’t think I got a single one that way. My two letters also came before the characters and title. Lots of possibilities for going wrong here - and I found most of ‘em! Good crossword, though, since you never felt like giving up - it was hard work but there was always something to try next. Thanks, Brimstone.

[trux]

On Greek isle so not surrounded by usual aides, but have just about got there in the end ... a little finishing off in NE corner still to do but probably too many other distractions here for me to press on straightaway. Thanks Brimstone for a neat concept

[Speravi]

I had to tackle this in a number of instalments, but found progress was quite steady (not always the case when I tackle a puzzle piecemeal). All very logical and fair play. Resolution of an apparent anomaly in the preamble led to a quick conclusion when the initial grid fill had been achieved. For me, one of the more enjoyable challenges of recent times, so many thanks to Brimstone.