Made cuts in theatre programme, perhaps (8)
I believe the answer is:
operated
'made cuts' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'theatre programme perhaps' is the wordplay.
'theatre' becomes 'opera' (opera is a kind of theatre).
'programme perhaps' becomes 'ted' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'opera'+'ted'='OPERATED'
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for operated that I've seen before include "Performed surgery or worked a machine" , "Adore pet (anag.)" , "ran" , "Functioned" , "'Directed or controlled, machinery say (8)'" .)