Spectator 2591- Get Over It!

[Matakari]

Good evening, I’m stuck on the following and would appreciate some answers, thanks in advance!

28a One top player receiving kiss, no longer a man? (7) : ?NSE??D
42a Cut right into fish, and dig in safely here (4,6) : S???S?E?C?
44a Viciously one harms a crab (8) : T?R?E???

24d Storing up soft drinks in vaults (7) : ?????A?
25d Point to highest turnover in paper (4) : E???
30d Produce family diamonds (4) : ????D

[jazzgirl]

Good evening all.
I enjoyed this one and had no trouble with the three characters. I last watched the play on Brownsea Island, an outdoor evening event at which my friends and I got bitten by mosquitos (early 70s) and the local Peacocks walked on the stage, causing mayhem.
My only query is 15d where I have "I" for the vowel and I was hoping it would be "O"
(Doc should be next week as he does every third crossword)

[jazzgirl]

PS clue for 15d notch up trick at end of deck (4)

[Cloverjo]

Jazzgirl, the vowel is O. The word is a synonym for notch

[jazzgirl]

Got it!

[jazzgirl]

Thanks cloverjo. As soon as I posted, I solved it (often the way !)

[johnpiper]

I can see that one gets over three of the unclued lights for sure but theni am not sure where i can link that to 1A 21D and i guess one other well known brand name
My trouble is i have no idea what the theme word is!

[klazomaniac]

Hi John, You are looking for three different sets of three. each having something in common to make the theme word. If you have1a and 21d then you should know what these are ?

You need a word that is a fourth one.

the next trio is related by the same word as for the first trio and so on for the third trio.

Hope that makes sense, If not. come back and I will offer an easier clue.

[klazomaniac]

Ps. If you're thinking 'Bridge' you are incorrect.

[johnpiper]

ah well that is my problem
i think one set of three may be heads of state and one set of three being characters form a play by the bard but yes an easier clue would be welcome

[klazomaniac]

you are absolutely right with your thinking.

3 x heads of state (you need another head of state)

3 x character (you need another character from the same play)

2 x brand of 1a and 21d (obviously you need 2 more)

the theme word is the same word needed for all 3 (think different brands of car.

You've managed to get the hardest set (characters)

think car manufacturers

[johnpiper]

A bit stumped now
havew mistress P
a slim charactor
and character beginning with F all from the play

Not sure how 1 across and 21down and a missing word link to the name of the play?

And the other 3 is heads of state of which i have two of the three
Clearly being dense

[klazomaniac]

You are spot on with what you've got.

The fourth character begins with 'F'

The fourth president begins with 'F'

The Car begins with 'F'

It is the same word for all three !

[jazzgirl]

John tpyiu have fiund all three characters from the play, the fourth character being the theme word. Theme word also connects to the vehicles

[jazzgirl]

sorry I crossed in Klazo's post and excuse my typos

[johnpiper]

Eureka
many thanks
its a doh moment!

[klazomaniac]

Glad you got there Johnpiper :-)