learn from the Uk’s no. 1 crossword setter aka ‘Paul’, ‘Dada’, ‘Mara’, ‘Punk’. 

masterclass format

“The Most Fun You’ll Have with Your Clues on”

Get to see the step-by-step process of creating a puzzle

• Meet John and discover how he became a crossword setter

• Understand why certain words are chosen - and certain words not

• Choose great words for the puzzle - the ones YOU like.

• Choose the grid

• Fit the words in

• Write the clues

YOU’LL Receive a copy of our collaborative puzzle after the event

What you’ll gain from attending

See the magical process of creating a cryptic crossword, start to finish - on a subject of your choosing!

• Choose the words, and observe the fun process of fitting words in. 

• Write a clue yourself, should you wish*

• Take away an original cryptic crossword you’ve helped create, and share the puzzle with friends. 

• Meet John Halpern, aka ‘Paul’, ‘Dada’, ‘Mara’, ‘Punk’. 

• Friendly, fun and relaxed atmosphere

• *no clue-writing experience necessary, and no obligation to participate in clue-writing. 

This is for you if:

• You want to see the magical process yourself

• You have a favourite word you would like to see in a puzzle.

• You fancy a go at writing a clue (but OK if not)

• You wish to have fun with like-minded people

Who is John Halpern (aka. Paul)?

Meet the Guardian’s Cryptic Crossword Setter

Hi, I'm John Halpern!

I’m the UK's Number 1 crossword setter, writing for The Times, Telegraph, FT, Independent and perhaps most famously for The Guardian under the pseudonym ‘Paul'.

I am passionate about having everyone fall in love with the fun of wordplay, and believe that honing wordplay skills can contribute to keeping your brain healthy and active.

This is why I have created my masterclasses, workshops and public speaking events to help fans unlock the mysteries of the crossword.

As well as this I offer personal tuition, bespoke gifts and books for all lovers of wordplay and puzzles.