Customs House boss tunes in to Joe McElderry's online concert as he self-isolates with family

The South Shields singer performed a concert from his hometown theatre which was live-streamed across the world on Wednesday, March 18.

Joe, who set up a Go Fund Me page on Tuesday, has now raised more than £7,000 in donations to help support the Customs House as it remains closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mill Dam theatre announced on Monday, March 16 that it would be suspending its programme until further notice.

It came following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech in which he urged people to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues” to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

See an interactive map of Covid-19 cases across the UK

More than 1,000 fans of the former X-Factor star watched from countries across the world, as he performed live from the Customs House stage - finishing with an uplifting rendition of his hit The Climb.

The money raised will also go towards the charity Acting for Others which will be providing emotional and financial support to those in the industry who have been left unable to work.

Customs House executive director, Ray Spencer, who is currently self-isolating at home with his family, was among those who tuned in.

“My family and I were all able to watch it together and singalong,” he said.

“It was a great, uplifting concert and I’m sure people across the country – indeed across the world – were able to sing along and feel part of something.

“There was in excess of 1,000 people watching - three times a full house for us.

“Joe finished the concert with The Climb, which was a really positive note to end on.”

Ray issued a special thanks to Wycombe 89 Media who filmed the performance and BBC producer Gaynor Marshall, who helped Joe put it all together.

He added: “It was a really lovely way to bring people together in what is a difficult time and a wonderful way to support those actors and performers who have had their livelihoods taken away from them.”

The full concert is available to watch online

You can still donate a here