A woman who was expelled from the Magic Circle in 1991 for pretending to be a man has been welcomed back into the prestigious organisation after more than 30 years.
Sophie Lloyd disguised herself as a man named Raymond Lloyd to gain entry into the then men-only society, just before the rule was abolished later that year.
She wore men’s clothing, gloves to hide her hands, a bodysuit, and pretended to have laryngitis to conceal her voice.
Her membership is being officially reinstated at a ceremony on Thursday night, where she will be honoured and presented with her certificate by Marvin Berglas, the society’s president, at the Magic Circle headquarters in London.
Speaking on a programme, Lloyd said she was “beyond thrilled” to be welcomed back. She credited the late magician Jenny Winstanley, her friend, with the idea of the disguise.
Winstanley later revealed the truth to the Circle, expecting amusement—but was met instead with backlash and was “completely snubbed,” according to Lloyd.
Lloyd continued performing magic for over a decade, including an anti-bullying illusion show. She was recently tracked down by Laura London, the Magic Circle’s current chairwoman, who Lloyd described as having a “vivacious personality.”
London said: “I felt it important that the Magic Circle should recognise Sophie as a role model for women magicians and show that we are now a completely open society.”
Founded in 1905 in London, the Magic Circle officially voted to admit women in September 1991, with 469 in favour and 129 against. The group, known for its secrecy and exclusivity, now has more than 1,700 members, including Stephen Fry, David Copperfield, Dynamo, and even Sooty the puppet.
(NAN)
