The unclued lights, in one case paired, are all suggested by a thematic phrase (two words), which is set out in an appropriate form in the grid and must be highlighted.
Across
1 Brass and slate vessel (8)
6 Really humid round townships (6)
10 Ham cast chose plays — they cause discomfort (12)
12 Society cuts old displays (5)
13 Ape-like evangelical with outstanding pledges (7)
15 Beer and staple food one leaves in wood (6)
17 No gin in a sozzled artist (8)
20 Picture takers like river in Iceland (8)
22 Draw close, at first, in nocturnal habit (7)
24 See cuckoos and dogs (5)
26 Overcook, taking week to act like Ramsay? (5)
28 Qualification for business, having trouble in capital (7)
34 Rampant elitism’s most disgusting (8)
35 Ten jockeys needing a mount (4)
37 Snakes by golden castle (7)
38 The foreign fashion for singer (5)
39 Test hearing, with everyone in favour (12, two words)
40 Theft of inferior horse unacceptable (6, hyphened)
41 Part of dance considered in stages (8)
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