The Magic Circle is on the hunt for its first female member – who deceived the group by disguising herself as a man to enter its ranks – so it can apologise to her.
Sophie Lloyd hid her true identity from the famous society of magicians for 18 months.
Dressing up as a young man, Ms Lloyd fooled both the examiners and the Circle’s council and even went out for a drink with them.
However, she was expelled when the deception was revealed and the group hasn’t heard from her since.
At the time Ms Lloyd joined, women weren’t allowed to join the Circle. But when the rules changed in October 1991, Ms Lloyd revealed her true identity and was promptly kicked out for deceiving the society.
But now the group is trying to track her down, so it can apologise.
President of the Magic Circle Marvin Berglas told Sky News: “Times have changed.
“Back in the day she caused the ultimate deception of fooling the magicians and the council which is quite something.
“We’re trying to welcome Sophie back because it’s such a great story.”
He added: “Being that she was such a pioneer we would love to find her, get her side of the story and honour her.”
President of the Magic Circle Marvin Berglas
Mr Berglas said magic wasn’t “an old boy’s club” anymore and that around 5% of its members were women.
It’s thought Ms Lloyd had been an actress, and her name might have been Sue Lloyd, he added.
It’s possible Ms Lloyd received training from magician Jenny Winstanley, who had wanted to be the first woman in the Magic Circle, but was, Mr Berglas said, likely too well known to enter in disguise.
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Ms Lloyd in disguise (left) and her true self (right). Pic: David Sillitoe/The Guardian/eyevine
Mr Berglas continued: “We know she was in the Coventry, Warwickshire, Leamington Spa area.
“We would like to apologise for our faux pas.”