Solving time, 21 mins
* = anagram < = reversed
ACROSS
1 M (IS) USE
4 GRIM ACES
9 NO TI(C)ES
11 NET BALL ten<
12 PEPPER-AND-SALT hairstyle
14 LISTENERS (let sirens)*
16 ERICA (I care)*
17 TORUS Hidden
19 HEADPIECE “Had peace”
21 BREAST THE WAVE (Save wet bather)*
24 TO (ASTI) E
25 SEI ZING
27 SWAYED “Suede”
DOWN
1 MANIPULATE Definition: doctor (et al up in AM)<
2 SET-UP Tennis player would like to be a set up
3 SE CRETE South-East = bottom right-hand corner
5 RENE DESCARTES (a stern decree’s)*
6 ME THANE
7 COASTLINE (clot in sea)*
8 SI(L)T
10 STAGE WHISPERS (Shaw’s prestige)*
13 B (A REL) EGGED
15 S CRU BLAND
18 S (WEE) TEN
20 P (REV I) EW Favourite clue “Cleric I observed in church seat – privileged sighting?”
22 A MI(t)TY ref Walter Mitty
23 (f)ETCH
I’m a bit dubious about the homophone in 19 across. Maybe it works if you speak in a very upper-class accent.
Actually finished this one!
Very enjoyable