CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

15, 849

Across

1. How make-up’s used to modify comical style (12) 8. Tense northern head of state meets you in Paris (7) 9. Very angry, pelt one American stealing ring (7) 11. Protective layer in marquee contains European glue (10) 12. Parrot joins in male chorus (4) 14. Curve described by a high ball returned by soldier (8) 16. Graduates running round old boy’s tree (6) 17. She always finishes early (3) 19. Pain from wound in the flanks (6) 21. GP works with Tories — they boost his image (3,5) 24. Crow runs in field (4) 25. It gives security on board, luring first of passengers in (7,3) 27. Top four dismissed from executive (7) 28. Bug various lines bordering Luxembourg and Sweden (7) 29. Hush up, say, dicky heart during poor water cure (12)

Down

1. Artist shortened gold frames for gallery boss (7) 2. C lean trousers, tooth paste etc. carried in these (6,4) 3. Beethoven’s emblem captivates musicians (8) 4. Recent delivery? New admirer blocks it (6) 5. Fresh milk supplier loses head (4) 6. One performing in exotic club? It’s a pride issue (4,3) 7. Popular policeman turns up in firm, that’s certain (12) 10. Entertainment coach impressed by gaudy character (4,8) 13. A Latin sage bewildered UK region (4,6) 15. Welcome Arsenal versus Everton initially (3) 18. Ingredient, say, oddly grey, with nuts inserted (3,5) 20. One is permitted to keep half of German pictures (7) 22. Compiler’s shame hides English irreverence (7) 23. Critical information held by university arts centre (6) 26. Polish up rare dentist’s tool (4)