In a spirited turn of events, The Magic Circle—a renowned society of magicians—has embarked on a heartfelt mission to reconnect with a woman who famously deceived their exclusive club by masquerading as a male illusionist. The performer, known back then as “Raymond Lloyd,” gained entry into the prestigious society in 1991 but was expelled shortly after revealing her true identity: that of a woman.
Now, decades later, the society's leaders have expressed a desire to right the past wrong. Marvin Berglas, the current president of The Magic Circle, stated, “I would love to look her in the eyes and say, on behalf of the other magicians that we have, ‘You’re absolutely welcome.’” His comments encapsulate a shift within an organization that, since its inception in 1905, primarily catered to male performers—much to the frustration of aspiring female magicians.
Reflecting on her intentions back in 1991, Jenny Winstanley, one of the pioneering women in magic, shared her ambition to prove that women could perform at the same caliber as their male counterparts. “I always wanted to be the first lady in the Magic Circle,” she remarked during an interview, underlining the societal norms that limited female participation in the magic community.
As The Magic Circle actively seeks to make amends, the organization stands as a testament to the changing times in the world of illusion and performance, where gender inclusivity is slowly but surely reshaping the landscape.
