Inquisitor 1581

[Ripper]

I'm stuck on the top left-hand corner, please could someone help me with: 1 down: Closet play of Shakespeare: in this case, it's performed around central area (7) 2 down: Easier, essentially, to access push-button telephone system with special criteria (11) ???????ones (each clue has an extra letter to be removed before solving.)
Thanks in advance

[Neveracrossword]

2 Touchstones
1 Endgame

I couldn't think of hints!

[Neveracrossword]

I didn't bother with the extra letters, they weren't crucial.

[Ripper]

Thank you Neveracrossword

[Neveracrossword]

Glad I could help, Ripper. Hope you got it finished off.

[Ripper]

I'm usually lucky to finish it on Wednesday or Thursday after publication!!!!! But I don't like to ever give up!

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, I admire your perseverance!

[Ripper]

halleluia!
I've got a FULLY filled grid & the theme from extra letters (OK I did get up at 5.30 with determination!)
But now for the 'smooth curve' I can make nothing of the extra letter words to help and can't find any useful words in the grid.
So, as per usual, I need a big hint or two.
Thanks in advance.
It's probably staring me in the face!!!

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, there's a thematic word at/from 22 D - that's the third word in a four-word phrase. There's also a definite article, in a nice straight line - that's the first word.

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, if you get really, really stuck (and my hints haven't helped), you could always Google the puzzle title with the word that defines the unclued entries...

[Ripper]

Got it! (and it's only Monday!)
Thank you so much Neveracrossword

[Neveracrossword]

Great, Ripper! My hints are often smaller than those you get from others, so I gave you a big nudge as well today!

[Ripper]

Neveracrossword you're a star!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Ripper - very kind!