CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,623

Across

1 Alternating study and employment in place of golf in Kent? (8,6)

9 Riddle: what’s at head of stage coach? (8)

10 Amusing toy entertains Queen (5)

12 Disappointed expression with railway being wonky (4)

13 Croatia cut out being dictatorial (10)

15 I speak ill of key resident (8) 16 Outlaw bishop with vermouth (6)

18 Ridiculous sailors going by superior road (6)

20 Frivolous satirical sketch – this upset (8)

23 Two pieces of furniture I must move, being kind (10)

24 Mostly pick up title role in Shakespeare (4)

26 Advocate trade importing tropical fish (5)

27 Book helps musicians (8) 28 Criminal hated brother’s accepting of honour (5,2,3,4)

Down

2 Note talented performer (7) 3 River erosion (4)

4 Cut off electric power after criminal’s perplexed (8)

5 Lad following vehicle shows bottle (6)

6 Briefs international agency soldiers about communist uprising seizing power (10)

7&8 Songbirds caught sight of cobwebs perhaps (7,11)

11 The holy see it appearing both ways in job opportunity (7,4)

14 Develop a rendition that’s OTT (10)

17 What you need for job putting first drop of sauce in pan (5,3)

19 Second person at tea party in break (7)

21 Sluggishness I retain when working (7)

22 60% flummoxed seeing what pandas eat (6)

25 Axe tree with energy (4)