Top British magic society members gathered in London to correct a decades-old mistake of rejecting a female member who disguised herself as a man named Raymond Lloyd in 1991. Sophie Lloyd, the real name of “Raymond,” and her accomplice revealed the deception when the society began accepting women members, leading to her expulsion. The Magic Circle publicly sought her out last year, and on Thursday night, they staged a performance to apologize and reinstate her membership, presented by the current society president, Marvin Berglas.
Sophie Lloyd and her friend Jenny Winstanley worked together to pull off the elaborate deception, with Jenny teaching her magic tricks and helping her develop a convincing male persona. Their efforts paid off when “Raymond Lloyd” passed the Circle’s strict audition process with flying colors. However, the revelation of the ruse following the admission of women led to Sophie’s expulsion from the society. The recent event was a step towards rectifying this mistake, with an emotional reunion between Sophie and the Magic Circle.
Women in the magic industry have faced challenges in gaining recognition, even within the Magic Circle, where they comprise only about 5 percent of the membership. The event marked a significant acknowledgment of the struggles faced by women in the profession, with members reflecting on the progress made and the efforts still required to achieve equality in the field. Fay Presto incorporated the historical significance of the evening into her performance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing past mistakes and moving forward.
The Circle’s decision to publicly seek out Sophie Lloyd, now living in Spain, came after years of reconsideration and reflection on the unjust treatment she faced. Initially hesitant to reconnect with the society due to past hurts, Sophie ultimately decided to reunite with the group, viewing her membership as a tribute to Jenny Winstanley and their shared experience. The event also honored Jenny posthumously with an award, recognizing her contributions to the art of magic and her role in the Raymond Lloyd deception.
The elaborate ruse carried out by Sophie and Jenny demonstrated their dedication to challenging norms and breaking barriers within the male-dominated magic industry. Despite facing backlash and expulsion from the Magic Circle, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and recognition for all members of the magic community. The evening’s performance and apology symbolized a step towards redemption and reconciliation, acknowledging past mistakes and celebrating the resilience of women in magic.
