In a captivating tale from the late 1980s, actress Sophie Lloyd infiltrated the male-dominated Magic Circle under the guise of ‘Raymond Lloyd’, only to face expulsion after her true identity was revealed.
In an intriguing tale reminiscent of a magical adventure, an actress successfully infiltrated the once male-exclusive ranks of the prestigious Magic Circle, only to be expelled upon the revelation of her true identity. This fascinating episode, from the late 1980s into the early 1990s, centres on Sophie Lloyd, an actress who donned the persona of “Raymond Lloyd” after being inspired by Jenny Winstanley, a magician and friend.
The saga began when Winstanley suggested the audacious plan, doubting her own ability to convincingly portray a man and thus enlisting Lloyd’s assistance. Over the course of 18 months, the duo meticulously crafted Lloyd’s transformation, teaching her the nuances of magic as well as how to convincingly adopt male mannerisms and attire. This “orchestrated deception,” as described by the Magic Circle’s chairwoman Laura London, was nothing short of a dramatic heist.
Lloyd applied to join the Magic Circle, an esteemed society dedicated to advancing the art of magic, established in 1905 in London’s Soho. Known for its rigorous entry requirements, aspirants must demonstrate their magical prowess and adhere to its core principle of secrecy, encapsulated in the Latin motto, “Indocilis private loqui” or “not apt to disclose secrets.”
In 1990, Lloyd successfully entered this exclusive club by portraying “Raymond Lloyd,” convincing the society’s members of her authenticity through a series of magical performances. She progressed from being an apprentice to a full member in March 1991.
The climate within the Magic Circle was evolving, with a campaign to admit women ultimately succeeding in October 1991. Following this historic vote, Lloyd decided to unveil her true identity, anticipating humour but instead encountering anger. The revelation of her ruse led to her expulsion from the Circle.
Sophie Lloyd continued to perform magic, especially focusing on educational shows tackling bullying. However, since then, she has retreated from the limelight, and the Magic Circle is keen on reconnecting with her. Laura London expressed a desire to apologise and invite her back, acknowledging the bravery and courage involved in her actions.
Efforts to locate Lloyd have proven challenging, as it recently emerged that “Sophie” was a stage name. It is believed her real first name was Sue, although her surname remains unknown. This revelation comes partly from Winstanley’s family, as Winstanley herself has since passed away.
The Magic Circle now boasts more than 80 female members among its 1,700-strong cohort. Marvin Berglas, the society’s president, highlighted the irony of expelling Lloyd for deception within a magicians’ society, expressing a wish to welcome her back and noting the progressive inclusion of female magicians over the years.
Founded over a century ago, the Magic Circle includes notable names such as Dynamo, Stephen Fry, and even King Charles III, who joined while still a prince in 1975. The quest to find Sophie Lloyd marks not just a search for a pioneering woman in magic but also encapsulates a broader narrative of inclusion and recognition in a historically male-dominated field.
Source: Noah Wire Services