Sweeper in drama school first to retire (5)
I believe the answer is:
radar
'sweeper' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'drama school first to retire' is the wordplay.
'drama school' becomes 'RADA' (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art).
'first to' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'retire' is 'r'.
'rada'+'r'='RADAR'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for radar that I've seen before include "Pulse detection system" , "Navigational aid" , "It can locate things in the dark or fog" , "Method of detection" , "A help in locating" .)