Theatre and Dance

Hatfield twins Ishmael and Nathanial Hines have won a first prize of £1,000 at the finals of the University of Hertfordshire’s sell-out talent show - the Forum’s Got Talent.

The twins, who perform as Double Trouble, entertained an audience of over 500 people at the University’s new entertainment venue, with an act that they describe as “a comedic dance duo” doing original dance moves with a comedy twist.

The 20-year-old Business Studies students bowled over the judges of the talent show, beating 50 other registered auditions and 10 in the final show.

Double Trouble in action

Double Trouble entered the competition following advice and persuasion from their mum and will use their prize money to further their act on a national scale. However, they still say that they were surprised to win:

“We thought we’d enter and see how far we’d get and surprisingly we won” explained Ishmael, “so it was a massive giant shock to us both.

“We were so overwhelmed by the whole experience especially the support from the audience when we performed” added Nathanial. “Winning was the icing on the cake.”

Dr Peter Lovatt, a dance psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire and Chair of the judges said:

“We had some great acts audition for the show and it was difficult to only pick 10 for the Final.  However, Double Trouble were truly outstanding and very original. They are very worthy winners.”

Double Trouble shared the same stage as Diversity – the winners of the ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent – who opened the talent show at the Forum.

“It was amazing to meet Diversity, their performance was magical and lit up the whole stage.  We would love to perform with them one day!” said Ishmael.

And you never know, you may even see Double Trouble following in their footsteps.

“It would be a great experience and opportunity to go to one of these competitions” revealed Nathanial, “and you never know you may see our faces on Britain’s Got Talent. Double Trouble are about surprises!”

Double Trouble celebrate their win!

But whatever happens next, the two are not going to be neglecting their university work.

“I would definitely like to pursue my dancing as a career” said Ishmael, “but obviously I’ll have my business studies as a back up because [dancing as a career] is not 100 per cent guaranteed. You always have to have a back up so I will finish my business degree.”

The Forum’s Got Talent event was designed to launch the Forum - the county’s newest entertainment venue based at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. The venue also features restaurants, cafes and bars and aims to provide entertainment and facilities for students and the wider community.

Other winners in the Final were singer Cristina Hoey from Welwyn Garden City who came second and third place went to musicians Pure Flowz from Welwyn Garden City.