MC Black made his acting debut in 1961 (against his better judgement); apart from some appearances at ‘smoking concerts’ while at university, his talent lay hidden until the mid 90s when he was persuaded to take on the role of Dr Watson with the Irregular Special Players. He is a member (and a former ‘council member’) of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, and of a number of other Holmesian societies including the Irregular Special Railway Company, the Poor Folk Upon The Moors, the Arthur Conan Doyle Society and the Northern Musgraves. Several years ago he was elected a member of the Edmonton Deerstalkers – but has never been to meetings as they are held in Canada. As he was never told who the other British members are, he doesn’t know if he has ever met them!

When playing the ‘Great Holmesian Game’, Black impersonates His Grace, the Sixth Duke of Holdernesse, KG and has been seen wearing ‘Garter Sash and Star’ with his ‘white tie and tails’ outfit.

When not playing the ‘Game’, Black works for the ‘External Programme of the University of London’, inter alia, advising law students. His other interests include underground industrial archaeology.