“Jenny was increasingly frustrated that women – including herself – could not become members of Magic Circle,” Lloyd said. “So, he had the idea of getting into the club disguised as a man. She couldn’t, because she was recognizable. “
It was a bold venture. Lloyd had worked as a Winstanley assistant in shows, but she hadn’t done magical on her own, so she had to learn them.
He created a new character – Raymond Lloyd – and dedicated about two years studying the role. With just 1.57 height, wig, Harry Potter glasses, White gloves and a hoarse Voice managed to persuade as a 18 -year -old Raymond in a hearing in front of three examiners. Her girlfriend, Jenny Winstanley, appeared as his “manager”.
In the broadcast Todayshe said that her character became “absolutely believable”. It had no problem with the uniform, but the gloves made the tricks very difficult.
In March 1991, she was ready to try her abilities. Instead of being examined in the headquarters of the Magic Circle – something they considered risky – called the examiners to a 20 -minute show in a club in front of 200 spectators. To cover her voice, she argued that Raymond had laryngitis.
In fact, after the show, he drank for a drink with one of the examiners. A week later, he was informed that he was accepted at Magic Circle!
For months, Raymond Lloyd gave performances and joined other members of the club. No one had suspected the slightest.
When Lloyd and Winstanley later learned that the integration of women would be allowed and decided to tell the truth. Winstanley phoned the club and informed them.
The reaction, however, was not what he expected. They received a letter saying Raymond had been eliminated in October 1991, at the same meeting where the first women were accepted, Lloyd saw the door of the exit.
“We couldn’t believe it,” he said. “We thought they would find it hilarious. We found it! “, said Lloyd. “But the letter came almost immediately. It was ridiculous. Jenny was hurt, I was more angry. “
Lloyd worked as a magician for about 10 years, Giving performances all over the country, even at school events against bullying, before moving to Spain. He went out to pension and is involved in rescue of animals.
Winstanley later opened a pottery workshop in Norfolk before Killed in a car accident in 2004.
Last year, Magic Circle started the search for Sophie Lloyd. OR New President of Magic Circle, Laura London, – The first female president of the club – learned the story and decided to restore injustice, to correct a mistake 34 years ago. Laura London started finding Sophie, but He had literally “disappeared”.
“I wanted Magic Circle to recognize Sophie as a model for female magicians and show that today we are an open society,” Laura London said.
Lloyd learned about the search for her sister, who sent her a related link. Initially he hesitated to accept the invitation because of the long period he had passed, but eventually decided to do so, mainly to honor Jenny’s memory.
“I am overwhelming,” Lloyd told the BBC Radio 4 show today on Thursday. “I feel deeply excited,” she told Mail. “It’s great. This time I also have a certificate with my real name. After so many years, this reintegration was a wonderful surprise. “
Today, Magic Circle remains largely male. Of its approximately 1,700 members, as soon as the 5% are women. Laura London said:
“Sophie was a pioneer, and her message was important. We wanted to find her to say “thank you”. It’s amazing, her story is inspiration. The fact that we have it again is just magical. “
Sophie Lloyd’s story reminds us that with imagination, boldness, perseverance and a little … magic even the most closed system can change.
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