Listener 4551 By Phibre

[Hagen]

And there was me hoping for a gentle one this weekend! This seemed impossible for a long time then inspiration finally dawned and things got moving. I'm not 100% certain that I've got the unusual methods of entry exactly as Phi and Sabre intended, but it's close enough I think. Whether the big reveal justifies all that grind is a matter of opinion.

Happy Easter to all.

[olichant]

I did enjoy a nice tough challenge (in the surprisingly lovely sunshine). When I twigged who the setters were, I was concerned it might be a little more fearsome than it turned out to be, but clearly it wasn’t a pushover. Some interesting words in the grid, to boot, I thought - always nice to have a chance to paddle around in the red book. Thanks to the setters - I liked it a lot.

[Scorpius]

A tough puzzle, though possibly not as tough as it might have been had it only involved one of the collaborators. I've only just finished sorting out the SW corner, which almost defeated me, partly because of a premature placement on my part. I enjoyed whittling away at it, though it became a bit fiddly at the end as I tracked and matched up the pluses and minuses. It would be helpful if editors would number the clues even if the grid isn't numbered. It makes it much easier to keep track of things.

[12barblues]

I thought the clues were accomplished for a new setter and I like to think I’m pretty good at word games. Doh!

[olichant]

12barblues - I was thinking that for a good while too!

[emcee]

Very tough.

Very neat.

Thanks Phi & Sabre.

[Cruncher]

Took me ages to figure this out but very neat. Tough clues

[Cruncher]

And liked the cameo appearances