Ev 1580

[hankir]

I am finding this one difficult.

Need a hint on 1d which is thematic. It's answer must be longer than 6 letters and then letters have to be removed before entering it in the grid.

Was flat mate enthusiastic about the puzzle? (6, two word)
I have ?ROKE?.

Thanks.

[novalis]

An expression meaning to have neither won nor lost.

[hankir]

Thanks novalis.
The only word that fit was broken. Now I know how the clue parses.

[saladdodger]

27a Beast accepted being kept in pit (6) ?O???A
33a Extremely silly gifts for members of IT team (6) SY???S

[JJ109]

33a Sysops

[saladdodger]

Thank you JJ109

[ProfessorMaisie]

27 FOUSSA

[saladdodger]

Thank you Prof M
25d More than one bit US flags (5) ?URBS burbs?
25a Small order from market relayed over Tannoy (4) ?E?L bell?

[RickGDG]

25d CURBS (US kerbs, more than one curb/bit)
25a CELL, homonym of sell, def. small order

[saladdodger]

Thanks RickGDG

[Brownbelle]

All done but endgame leads me to varile for 18d and it's not a word in chambers. Have I gone wrong at endgame stage! Help appreciated.

[RickGDG]

Brownbelle - one more change to go. You must replace the codename with the 'theme'.

[Brownbelle]

Thanks Rick.I read the instruction to adapt the codename and had originally tried to anagram it! Realised what the two words were but didn't realise I had to physically alter it. What a brilliantly constructed puzzle. Thanks Artix.