| LEADING | Chief, a big noise entering stage (7) |
| ORDINATION | Speech about big noise entering the church (10) |
| GABFEST | British fellow entering stage arranged for a prolonged conference? (7) |
| EGGHEAD | Urge on the chief, a boffin through and through (7) |
| HOTHEAD | Stolen by chief, a daredevil (7) |
| PONTIAC | Famed 18th-century Ottawa chief, a great leader of inter-tribal resistance against British rule in the Great Lakes area (7) |
| RAMADAN | Mother entering stage school gets lead in Norma fast |
| ABIDING | Enduring a big noise paying a visit (7) |
| SLAMMER | All the tricks over French sea - makes a big noise! (7) |
| THUNDER | A big noise above with half below (7) |
| SHEBANG | That lady gets together with a big noise for affair (7) |
| STANDIN | Understudy to Laurel: a big noise (5-2) |
| RACKETS | Many a big noise in illegal business succeeded |
| PALADIN | Knightly companion has friend, a big noise |
| PRINCIPAL | From the Latin for "first, chief", a headmaster/mistress; a leading actor, dancer or instrumentalist; or, one of the combatants in a duel (9) |
| PHRASE | A few words delivered by Olivier finally entering stage (6) |
| GEISHA | Entering stage is hapless female entertainer (6) |
| LENGTHEN | Increase number entering stage immediately |
| COPPERHEAD | Policeman finds chief a crawler (10) |
| BOSSANOVA | Dance with the chief, a star (5,4) |
