Queen musical takes £4m

We Will Rock You, Queen's stage musical, took more then £4m in ticket sales in its first five weeks despite a savaging by critics.

It was London's top-selling show during that period, according to Ticketmaster, and its run has been extended until January 2003.

It will also transfer to the United States and other countries in 2003.

Despite a string of negative press reviews, producers say the cast have received standing ovations every night.

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Cleese joins Shrek 2 cast

John Cleese is to join the cast of the upcoming sequel to hit animated film Shrek, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Cleese will join original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow. He will voice the father of Diaz's character, Fiona, says the paper.

Shrek writers and co-producers Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott opted out of the sequel following creative differences, but remain on board as consultants.

Original director Andrew Adamson will direct the sequel, due out in 2004.

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Tomb Raider actor joins Glenn Close in Streetcar

Tomb Raider actor Iain Glen is to star opposite Glenn Close in A Streetcar Named Desire at London's National Theatre.

The Scottish star will play Stanley Kowalski, the role made famous by Marlon Brando in the 1951 film.

Close plays the Vivien Leigh role of Blanche Dubois in the play which opens in October.

Glen previously appeared opposite Nicole Kidman in the critically acclaimed The Blue Room at the Donmar Warehouse.

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Dirty Dancing set for second outing

A sequel to the 1987 smash hit Dirty Dancing has been given the go-ahead, co-financed by Miramax studios.

Set in 1959 Cuba, Havana Nights revolves around a 17-year-old girl who defies her family's wishes when she falls for a local dancer.

The original film, directed by Sister Act director Emile Ardolino, starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.

No actors have been cast for the sequel though Ricky Martin and Natalie Portman are among the names suggested.

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Bobby Brown recovers at home

Singer Bobby Brown is resting at his New Jersey home after being treated in hospital for an infection.

The 33-year-old was travelling through Virginia with his wife, Whitney Houston, in their tour bus, when they stopped at the hospital last Wednesday.

Brown was admitted to the hospital and treated intravenously with an antibiotic. He was discharged on Friday

Brown, formerly of New Edition, and his wife had been in Atlanta, where Houston had been recording an album.

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Peak Practice axed

Popular ITV show Peak Practice has been axed after 10 years to be replaced with another medical drama.

Although Peak Practice has enjoyed strong viewing figures during its run bosses decided it was time to kill it off after it began to look tired.

Actors involved in the show, based around a rural GP surgery, are said to be disappointed at the news.

Its replacement, Sweet Medicine, will have the same Peak District setting and the same subject matter but will be based around a family practice.

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Jasper Carrott takes to musical stage

Comedian Jasper Carrott is to make his West End debut in the Mikado musical

The 58-year-old joins members of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite.

In the show, which opens at London's Savoy Theatre on 25 June, Carrott plays Ko-Ko the Lord High Executioner of Titipu

His most recent TV appearance was in the TV comedy drama All About Me opposite Goodness Gracious Me star Meera Syal.

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Latvia gears up for Eurovision Song Contest

Preparations are already underway for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003.

International broadcasting alliance the EBU has visited the Latvian town of Riga to decide where the 48th competition will held.

Two venues have been shortlisted - the Skonto Stadium and the Kipsala Exhibition Centre.

Latvia won the 2002 contest in Tallinn, Estonia, with the singer Marie N performing Wanna.