Across
1
Less able to observe an outstanding performance (7)
5
Criticize the drink in French, causing stir (7)
9
A threesome that would control your life? (5)
10
Moderate version of Delft soap (4-5)
11
Isolation ruins Italy’s cooking (10)
12
Western power accepts one’s a weak type (4)
14
Deacon’s lot is somehow sad (12)
18
Intimidation of Chief of Staff by Prudence on manoeuvres (5,7)
22
Unstable, so disillusioned with Equity (3,7)
25
Biblical wife breaking the Sabbath? Not at first (9)
27
Narrow arachnid squeezes into cap (7)
28
Where there might be a range of gear, hence endless changes (7)
Down
1
Research expert Dicky gets stuck into container (6)
2
One question on tax that shows how smart you are? (2,4)
3
Denial of miracle is revised after departure (10)
4
One emerging from the sack found on the stair (5)
5
Splayed feet – nasty, but a tightrope walker’s requirement? (6,3)
6
Peaks since holding record (4)
7
Song from Ratty, Kit and half a countertenor (8)
8
Slipped back (rush to guzzle drinks) (8)
13
Handy illumination if right cloth is spread (10)
15
Michael Caine’s part in raw fuel source (9)
16
‘City Lives’ by Brown & Bigness (not King) (8)
17
Information? Ring corporation’s multitasking employee (8)
19
Kidnap head of state? Certainly (6)
20
News during Christmas about former famous group member (6)
23
Bad spelling etc creates shortage in London hospital (5,4)
24
A word in your ear: not all chaps stink! (4)