Magical society seeks first woman after being excluded as a man

Magical society seeks first woman after being excluded as a man

A fascinating story of deception and identity has caused a stir in London. It's the story of a woman who managed to outsmart a world-renowned all-male magic society before being quietly expelled after her true identity was revealed. Now society wants them back.

The story of Sophie Lloyd

Sophie Lloyd, an actress, was persuaded to apply to the Magic Circle in the late 1980s by her friend, the magician Jenny Winstanley. Winstanley was skeptical about her ability to perform as a man, so she asked Lloyd for help, Magic Circle President Laura London told CNN on Tuesday.

Training and deception

The two women trained for 18 months in the art of magic as well as how to dress, speak and act like a man. London described this “orchestrated deception” as “so brilliantly staged, almost like a robbery.” The Magic Circle's mission is to “promote and advance the art of magic.” Magicians must demonstrate their skills to be accepted and must adhere to the society's Latin motto, "Indocilis private loqui" ("disinclined to reveal secrets").

The introduction to magic

In 1990, Lloyd, in her 20s, managed to outsmart the organization by disguising herself as a man named Raymond Lloyd. She passed the entrance exam, which required her to perform tricks in front of members, and started as an apprentice before becoming a full member in March 1991.

The revelation and the exclusion

After a successful campaign to admit women into the men's society, a vote was held in October of that year, and after that vote, Lloyd revealed her true identity. "She thought society would find it funny, I suspect, but they were actually very angry," London said, citing the Magic Circle's expulsion of Lloyd as a result.

Continuation of the magic

After her expulsion, Lloyd continued her magical performances and used them in a show to educate youth about bullying. However, since then it has been “difficult to find her,” says London.

An apology and invitation back

“I would like to talk to her and find out what happened to her,” London said. "I feel like she was very hurt and I really hope this didn't impact her career in entertainment. I hope it didn't discourage her." London added that she would like to say "thank you" to Lloyd and that the Magic Circle would "apologize for what happened." “We would like to invite you back.”

The Search for Sophie Lloyd

It turned out that Sophie was not her birth name but a stage name. Her true last name is still unknown, but London believes her real first name was Sue. Winstanley's son and a family friend confirmed this. Winstanley sadly passed away.

An inspiring story for the future and diversity

"She's an extraordinary woman, so brave to do this, and many women in the industry feel this act is extremely brave, to prove that women can be just as good as men," said London.

The Magic Circle today

The Magic Circle now has over 80 female members, but they only make up around 5% of the total of over 1,700 members. "We sincerely hope that Sophie can be found so that we can welcome her into our society," Marvin Berglas, president of the Magic Circle, said in a statement to CNN.

"Over 30 years ago, in my opinion, our predecessors made a faux pas when they excluded them on the basis of deception. We are aware of the irony since a magician deceives someone," he added. “We welcome all good magicians regardless of gender and look forward to seeing more and more female magicians join our ranks.” The Magic Circle was founded in London's Soho district in 1905, and its most famous members include the magician Dynamo, the actor Stephen Fry and King Charles III, who became a member in 1975, when he was still a prince, after performing a cup trick.