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Theatrical foundation to criticise piece of soap (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pancake

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'theatrical foundation' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'criticise piece of soap' is the wordplay.
'criticise' becomes 'pan' (informal term meaning to criticise heavily).
'piece of soap' becomes 'cake' (I've seen this before).
'pan'+'cake'='PANCAKE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pancake that I've seen before include "Flatten" , "fall flat?" , "Emergency landing" , "Dish made from batter" , "Traditional fare on Shrove Tuesday" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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