LATERAL THINKING: CRYPTIC

Use the cryptic clues to solve this crossword with a twist.

ACROSS

1. Helps as sisters leave emergency room (7)

5. Referred to when actors are lost for words (7)

8. Discuss alternative blade (3)

9. An iris, perhaps, or a dried grape (6)

10. Telling a lad to hold festival (4)

12. Dish in kitchens on ship lanes, for sports (7,6)

13. Aramis chiefly showing roguery (8)

14. Arches are a diving hazard (5)

16. Ceremonial rod for employees (5)

18. Tim wrote about unfaithful lover (3-5)

22. Ten men managed to show internal fortitude when given reassuring support (13)

24. Point out seat (4)

25. Street fire stirred up trouble (6)

26. She’s a US lawyer (3)

27. Composed tunes on board inspired by colourful night skies (7)

28. Dubious sect captured US political leader (7)

DOWN

1. In front of wild mob, a tomb becomes a weapon of mass destruction (4,4)

2. Bad-tempered little mammal (5)

3. Direct aspect that stooge must keep (8,4)

4. Roof tile used as doctor’s nameplate (7)

5. Abilities required to commit murder aboard steamship (6)

6. Gave commendation and was quietly uplifted (7)

7. Mounted crazy CD sale (6)

11. Even so, it’s always the more (12)

15. Extend in favour of pamphlet (8)

17. The primary reason for betrayal? (7)

19. Ram following ewe mostly gets tired (7)

20. Extreme athlete opens Games venue (6)

21. Estimates on cost of speech extracts (6)

23. Raise spirits with the Spanish blend of tea (5)