In a remarkable twist of fate, Sophie Lloyd, who famously disguised herself as a man to gain entry into the Magic Circle, has been reinstated as a member of the prestigious society over three decades after her expulsion. On April 24, 2025, the Magic Circle, known for its long-standing male-only membership policy, publicly apologized to Lloyd and awarded her a membership certificate, recognizing her pioneering role in advocating for women in magic.
Lloyd's journey began in 1991 when she adopted the persona of Raymond Lloyd, a teenage boy, to infiltrate the Magic Circle, which had barred women from joining since its formation in 1905. With the encouragement of her friend and fellow magician Jenny Winstanley, Lloyd took the bold step to prove that women could excel in the art of magic.
“I had to change my look completely. We took it very seriously,” Lloyd recounted, reflecting on the extensive preparations that included wearing a male bodysuit, a wig, gloves to disguise her feminine hands, and dental prosthetics to alter her jawline. “I remember feeling a bit foolish standing up there in front of the three examiners and a big audience of over 200. I was very nervous, but it worked.”
In March 1991, Lloyd successfully performed a 20-minute magic show at a working men's club, impressing the examiners and securing her membership. However, the joy was short-lived. Just months later, when the Magic Circle announced it would begin accepting female members, Lloyd and Winstanley decided to reveal their deception, thinking it would be met with amusement.
Instead, the response was outrage. On the day the first women were admitted, Lloyd was expelled for "masquerading as a male." “We couldn’t understand why the Magic Circle expelled us anyway,” Lloyd said. “We wanted to prove that women were good enough to get in and were as good as men.”
For years, Lloyd continued her career in magic, performing across the country and even touring with an anti-bullying variety show. However, following Winstanley's tragic death in a car accident in 2004, Lloyd stepped away from the spotlight and moved to Spain, where she dedicated her time to rescuing abandoned animals.
Last year, the Magic Circle, under the leadership of its first female chair, Laura London, initiated a search to locate Lloyd and rectify the historic wrong. “I felt it important that the Magic Circle should be able to recognize Sophie as the role model for women magicians, as well as show that we are now a completely open society,” London stated.
When Lloyd was finally contacted about her reinstatement, she was initially hesitant to return, fearing the painful memories of her past. However, after a heartfelt lunch with London, the two women bonded over their shared passion for magic, and Lloyd decided to accept the Magic Circle’s apology.
At the reinstatement ceremony held at the Magic Circle’s London headquarters, Lloyd expressed her gratitude and honor. “I’m beyond thrilled,” she told Radio 4's Today programme. “It’s for Jenny, really. She would have loved to be here.”
Today, the Magic Circle remains predominantly male, with women making up only about 5% of its 1,700 members. Despite this, the society has made significant strides in inclusivity since Lloyd's original expulsion. The upcoming event honoring both Lloyd and Winstanley will feature performances by five magicians and is open to the public, symbolizing a new era for the organization.
Lloyd's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the magic community. Her journey from deception to recognition serves as an inspiration, proving that barriers can be broken and that magic, like society, can evolve. As she prepares to step back into the world of magic, Lloyd reflects on how far the society has come, noting, “In the old days, going back 30 years, there were just older men – grey hair, suited up – and you didn’t get many young people, not really. You never saw women. It’s completely different now. Everyone is welcome.”
As the Magic Circle embraces its new identity, it recognizes the contributions of those who fought for change, ensuring that the legacy of pioneers like Sophie Lloyd and Jenny Winstanley will not be forgotten. With Lloyd's reinstatement, the Magic Circle takes a step towards acknowledging its past while looking forward to a more inclusive future.
