Sophie Lloyd cleverly disguised herself as a man to gain entry to the male-dominated Magic Circle, transforming her appearance with a male bodysuit and voice alteration. After successfully passing the exam and becoming a member, she revealed her true identity shortly thereafter, resulting in her expulsion coinciding with the admission of the first female members. Now, 30 years later, the society has formally recognized her and invited her back, acknowledging the wrongs of the past and celebrating her contributions.
I had to change my look completely... We took it very seriously. I remember feeling a bit foolish standing up there in front of the three Magic Circle examiners.
The deception was a success and Lloyd was duly admitted to the exclusive society. But when she later revealed herself to be a woman, her membership was revoked.
We are delighted to finally be able to invite Sophie back in to the society as herself... It's something we should have done when we accepted those first women into the club.
Lloyd's deception was the brainchild of her close friend and magician Jenny Winstanley, who was infuriated that although she could perform at the Magic Circle, women could not.
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