FORMER Nolan Sister Bernadette Nolan pulled out of last night's performance of the musical Blood Brothers in Brighton when she was taken ill.

Theatre Royal manager Roger Neil said Bernadette, who is several months' pregnant, felt "under the weather." But all was not lost. Bernadette's role was taken by one-time New Seekers' singer Lyn Paul. She has been starring in the same role in the West End production of Blood Brothers. Mr Neil hopes Bernadette will be back for tonight's performance of the Willy Russell musical about twin brothers separated at birth and brought up on different sides of the tracks. She plays the twins' mother. Mr Neil said: "Bill Kenwright, who is directing the show, asked if Lyn would come down and step in. We're delighted that she did." Meanwhile, Lyn's role in the West End was taken by an understudy. As a New Seeker, Lyn sang on the hit record I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, which sold 12 million copies, and performed at Richard Nixon's presidential inauguration. Blood Brothers is in the second week of a two-week run at the Theatre Royal. It features scores of memorable hits such as A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally-charged Tell Me It's Not True.

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