The 4x3 is central, hankir - look for the word you know in a symmetrical arrangement with 3 letters splitting it at regular intervals.
The try a search for the 3 letter word the 9 letter word + the overall shape (a W???L)
28a Compositor proposes second nut going first (5) SMO?T
I haven't got the theme word ...i can think of a couple which could fit with some of the extra words but not all...maybe i have some extras wrong. Help please...