We threw the cards around with Richard Vegas & found out how far down the rabbit-hole in the top-hat really goes...

1. You're recognised as a graduate from NIDA, with a wealth of experience in theatre and acting. What drew you to magic?

It's funny, what drew me to magic was my partner Julia Madotti! She was already a well established magician when we met, so I'm really her protege`. But once I got into it, it was the infinite possibilities for creating original and personal live performances with the added kick of the unpredictable nature of magic, both as a performer and for the audience. Performing magic can be truly scary and thrilling.

2. You've become infamous for your duelling magician act with colleague Adam Mada, in MADA vs VEGAS. Can you tell us a bit about your experience and tour with that show?

Yeah, well when you get two crazy, psycho rival magicians together, not only is it better than just one magician or two magicians, but with two magicians going head to head the potential for magic is exponential! We've done quite a few tours recently and always there is some very real personal danger for both of us when we step on stage. Whether it's having to duck a massive fire-breathed fire ball coming at your head, handling explosives, avoiding impaling your hand on a spike or eating razorblades there is always a chance that one or both of us will come off second best!

3. Why do steampunk and magic work so well together? What sparked your idea of fusing the two concepts?

It's funny because magic and steampunk are like they were made for each other - a beautiful theatrical presentation where something stunning and wonderful happens is a natural event in the realm of Steampunk. The idea of fusing magic and steampunk really came about through a performance we did for Clockwork Butterfly….

4. Clockwork Butterfly, renowned for their inventive, original and neo-Victorian inspired clothing, are joining forces with you on this event. Tell us about your collaboration.

It was actually Alexandra Gill-Chambers from Clockwork Butterfly who initially approached us to put magic and Steampunk together, though we ( Madotti & Vegas ) were already very much into that aesthetic with our performances already. Our hook up with Alexandra just cemented our magic with Steampunk….. But I have to say that Alexandra is an absolute genius, she's a magician in her own right, a magician of imagination and of the cloth and needle.

5. Let's say time travel is possible. Who do you go back in time to meet and why?

Ohh, there's too many great figures in time that I would like to meet. But ok, sorry, I know it's cliched, but I would travel back in time to meet Houdini and experience what one of his shows was truly like and see how the greatest showman the world has ever known played the crowds with his publicity stunts and his performances. …… Or maybe the godfather of all modern technology; Tesla. Maybe I could fit them both in on the one trip!

6. What can audiences expect to see at Time Machine?

Not telling…..Nah, audiences can expect to be transported to another time and place, where the world shifts on a different axis and where the strange and beautiful lock lips. ( sounds like some relationships I know…)

Truly mesmerising performances by Kelly Ann Doll and Madame Leila Montasano….. incredible apparitions and illusions by Julia Madotti and I, ……….. you know, vanishes, manifestations, levitations, telekinesis, transubstantiation, flames, explosions, that sort of thing….. maybe some blood, but this time around if that happens it won't have been planned.

Time Machine leaves this Friday, 8th April. Tickets still available from www.redbennies.com