The Venue
The Team
Meet your Funky Snake Team.
Read about our Venue.
Dave Allen
Creative Director
Dave Allen is a distinguished British magician with over three decades of experience in the industry. Renowned for his unique blend of comedy and magic, he has captivated audiences across the United Kingdom.
In 2004, Dave's exceptional talent was recognised when he won the prestigious United Kingdom Family Entertainer of the Year award, merely two years after turning professional. This accolade solidified his reputation as one of the nation's leading children's performers.
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Dave's expertise extends beyond live performances. He authored "The Entertainer's Guide to Being Flipping Brilliant," a comprehensive 350-page hardback book offering motivational guidance for entertainers. The book encompasses inspirational stories, practical advice, routines, and ventriloquist scripts, with contributions from many of his professional magician colleagues. It serves as a valuable resource for those aspiring to excel in the entertainment field.
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Dave's commitment to innovation in magic and entertainment is evident in his recent ventures. A brand-new immersive escape room experience and an intimate Magic Theatre are set to open in early 2025 in Leighton Buzzard, reflecting his dedication to creating engaging and memorable experiences for his audience.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dave Allen has remained a prominent figure in the British magic scene, continually inspiring both audiences and fellow performers with his creativity, passion, and unwavering dedication to the art of magic.
Carl Charlesworth
Manager
Carl Charlesworth is a distinguished British magician and comedian, celebrated for his exceptional sleight of hand and engaging comedic performances. Embarking on his magical journey in 1999, Carl transitioned to a full-time entertainment career in 2007, leaving behind his previous role.
Throughout his career, Carl has showcased his talents across various platforms, including television appearances, cruise ship performances, and international shows. His unique blend of magic and humour has earned him accolades such as the Best International Comedy Magic Act of the Year from 2010 to 2014, Stage Magician of the Year, and Technical Sleight of Hand Magician of the Year.
Carl's professionalism and charismatic stage presence have made him a sought-after performer for corporate events, weddings, and private parties. His clientele includes high-profile celebrities like Jamie Oliver, Rio Ferdinand, and Duncan James, all of whom have praised his breathtaking performances.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of a 50-day tour and a contract for a new ITV show in early 2019, Carl's passion for entertainment remains unwavering. As events have resumed, he continues to captivate audiences with his flawless magic and comedic flair, ensuring memorable experiences for all who attend his shows.
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Carl still performs magic and comedy, while Funky Snake Escape takes up most of his working life.
The journey began with an empty space—an old furniture shop with nothing but potential. With a vision of creativity and adventure, we took the leap and leased the building, determined to transform it into something extraordinary. The space is now undergoing a complete transformation. From a raw shell, our builders are hard at work, crafting walls to create immersive escape rooms and even a small theatre to enhance the experience. Every day brings something new, and the progress is moving fast!
Funky Snake Escape is more than just an escape room venue—it’s a place where creativity, storytelling, and entertainment come to life. Every detail has been designed and created by Carl & Dave, professional entertainers with 30 years of experience. As business partners, they have performed their renowned comedy magic show across the world, appearing on TV, cruise ships, theatres, holiday parks, and celebrity events. Their talent has earned them multiple awards, both individually and as a duo, including The Best International Comedy Award.
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With strong connections in the TV and entertainment industries, as well as the world of prop building, Carl & Dave have brought in top experts to help shape Funky Snake Escape into a one-of-a-kind experience. From set design to special effects, everything you see in the venue has been influenced by their vast network of creative professionals.
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Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life. We can't wait to welcome you in April 2025 for an unforgettable adventure at Funky Snake Escape!
Our Venue
Funky Snake Escape, located at 46 High Street, Leighton Buzzard, was previously Dillamore’s Furnishers and was a cornerstone of the local community since its establishment in 1923 by Samuel Robert Dillamore. Originally, the business operated as a comprehensive home service provider, offering furniture making, decorating, upholstery, and undertaking services. Over time, the company honed its focus exclusively on furniture retail, evolving into the esteemed establishment it is today.
Throughout its history, Dillamore’s remained a family-run enterprise, with four generations contributing to its growth and success. This familial continuity has ensured the preservation of traditional values, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. The spacious showroom, spanning two floors, showcases a diverse range of British-made furniture, including bedroom, lounge, and dining room pieces, catering to both traditional and modern tastes. Notably, the store offers free delivery for all furniture purchases and provides complimentary removal of old furniture, which is donated to Willen Hospice, reflecting the company’s commitment to community support.
As of 2023, Dillamore’s Furnishers celebrated its 100-year anniversary, marking a century of dedicated service to the residents of Leighton Buzzard and surrounding areas. The business has now closed down at this address, and has been bought out by Dave Allen, who turned the building into immersive escape rooms, a magic theatre, comedy club and bar.