Directed supporting cast β and saw the funny side? (8)
I believe the answer is:
chuckled
'saw the funny side?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'directed supporting cast' is the wordplay.
'directed' becomes 'led' (direct can mean to lead someone somewhere).
'supporting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, some letters go below others).
'cast' becomes 'chuck' (synonyms).
'led' put after 'chuck' is 'CHUCKLED'.
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for chuckled that I've seen before include "Chortled" , "Laughed quietly" , "Had a laugh" .)