Crossword Genius

Impish behaviour in the theatre? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

playfulness

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'the theatre?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'impish behaviour' is the wordplay.
'impish' becomes 'playful' (similar in meaning).
'behaviour' becomes 'ness' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'playful'+'ness'='PLAYFULNESS'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for playfulness that I've seen before include "Liking for games and amusement" , "Amusing light-hearted quality" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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