Joe McElderry to live stream concert from Customs House to raise cash for his home theatre as it closes due to coronavirus

South Shields singer Joe McElderry will be live streaming a one-off concert from the Customs House to help keep the venue afloat amid coronavirus uncertainty.
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It came after the Prime Minister urged people to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues” and advised that where possible to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

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Headline act Joe McElderry performs at the Together Forever Trust concert at Bents Park, South Shields.Headline act Joe McElderry performs at the Together Forever Trust concert at Bents Park, South Shields.
Headline act Joe McElderry performs at the Together Forever Trust concert at Bents Park, South Shields.

The former X Factor star, who has strong ties with the Customs House, announced on his Twitter account on Tuesday, March 17, that he would be performing a live streamed concert in a bid to raise funds for the venue in “uncertain times”.

Donations raised from the performance, which will be recorded live from the Mill Dam theatre’s stage, will also go towards the Acting for Others charity to support those in the industry who have been left out of work as a result of the pandemic.

A Go Fund Me page set up by the singer raised over £2,000 in a matter of hours.

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On the website, Joe commented: “During this time of uncertainty many of my fellow theatre friends and industry workers have no income or work due to the recent coronavirus announcements.

The Customs House, Mill DamThe Customs House, Mill Dam
The Customs House, Mill Dam

“My home theatre The Customs House has been a hub for my development and many others in the region, as a young performer growing up in a small town.”

He posted to his Twitter followers that he wants ”as many people to see our live stream tomorrow and make it as interactive as possible”.

Customs House executive director, Ray Spencer said: “I wasn’t surprised that one of the first people to pick up the phone was Joe, because he always steps forward and helps good causes.”

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He continued: “Joe has a special relationship with the Customs House and it’s a fantastic thing he’s doing for the community - and for the whole nation because everyone can join in and sing along with him.

“At times like these when people are self-isolating and worried, everyone needs to know that they are not alone and tomorrow is going to be a better day.”

Ray added: “The fact that he’s supporting other people who are unable to work at this time in the theatrical community is another mark of the man.”

On Monday, March 16, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said anyone who had – or lived with someone – who was displaying symptoms of coronavirus, a high temperature or a continuous cough, should stay at home for 14 days.

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People have also been advised to stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel and should start working from home "where they possibly can".

Tune in at 7pm on Wednesday, March 18 at 7.30pm via Twitch.tv/JoeMcElderry

Full details are available at www.joemcelderryofficial.com