Crossword Genius

Histrionics alarmed Mo terribly (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

melodrama

'histrionics' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Such histrionics' mean 'melodrama' so perhaps 'histrionics' could also mean 'melodrama')

'alarmed mo terribly' is the wordplay.
'terribly' indicates an anagram.
'alarmed'+'mo'='alarmedmo'
'alarmedmo' with letters rearranged gives 'MELODRAMA'.

(Other definitions for melodrama that I've seen before include "Histrionics - sensational play" , "Sensational theatre piece" , "Tear-jerker" , "Exceptionally sensational play" , "hysterical behaviour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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