In a tale that seems more fitting for a magic show than real life, a woman successfully deceived a prestigious, male-only magic society into admitting her before being expelled upon revealing her identity. Now, the Magic Circle is actively searching for her.
Sophie Lloyd, an actress, was encouraged by her friend, magician Jenny Winstanley, to apply to the Magic Circle in the late 1980s. Winstanley initially doubted Lloyd could convincingly portray a man, so they collaborated to pull off the ruse, according to Laura London, chairwoman of the Magic Circle.
The duo spent 18 months training in magic and mastering how to dress, act, and sound like men, with London describing the “orchestrated deception” as “brilliantly put together, almost like a heist.”
The Magic Circle aims to “promote and advance the art of magic,” and potential members must demonstrate their skills and adhere to the society’s Latin motto, “Indocilis private loqui,” meaning “not apt to disclose secrets.” In 1990, Lloyd successfully assumed the identity of “Raymond Lloyd” and was admitted into the organization.
Lloyd passed the entrance exam, which required her to perform tricks in front of the society’s members, and became a full member by March 1991. After a successful campaign to admit women into the all-male society in October of that year, Lloyd revealed her true identity. According to London, Lloyd thought the society would find her revelation amusing, but they reacted with anger and expelled her.
Despite her departure from the Magic Circle, Lloyd continued performing magic, using her talents to educate young people about bullying. However, locating her has proven challenging.
“I’d like to sit down and talk with her and understand what happened to her,” London expressed. “I hope that this didn’t affect her ability to continue in the entertainment industry.”
London revealed that Lloyd’s name may not be her real name but rather a stage name, and it’s believed her real first name might be Sue, confirmed by Winstanley’s son and a family friend. Sadly, Winstanley has passed away.
London praised Lloyd’s bravery in challenging gender norms within the magic community, stating, “She and Jenny prove that women can do it just as well as men.” The Magic Circle now boasts over 80 female members, representing about 5% of its total membership of more than 1,700.
Marvin Berglas, president of the Magic Circle, stated, “We really hope that Sophie can be found so we can welcome her back into our society.” He acknowledged that the expulsion was a mistake, reflecting on the irony of ejecting a magician for deception.
“Over 30 years ago, our predecessors made what I believe was a faux pas,” Berglas added. “We welcome all good magicians, regardless of gender, and are pleased to see an increasing number of women magicians joining us.”
Founded in 1905 in London’s Soho district, the Magic Circle counts among its most distinguished members magician Dynamo, actor Stephen Fry, and King Charles III, who joined as a prince in 1975 following a performance of a cups and balls trick.
Credit: CNN
