Overview

• Sophie Lloyd, disguised as 'Raymond Lloyd,' joined the Magic Circle in 1991 by passing its male-only entry exam through an elaborate hoax.
• Her membership was revoked later that year when she revealed her true identity, coinciding with the society's decision to admit women for the first time.
• The hoax was conceived by Jenny Winstanley, a magician frustrated by the exclusion of women, who died in 2004 and is now being posthumously honored.
• In April 2025, the Magic Circle issued a formal apology to Lloyd, reinstating her as a member and celebrating her and Winstanley's contributions.
• The society has since embraced inclusivity, with over 80 female members and its first female chair, Laura London, leading efforts to recognize Lloyd's legacy.