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the source of this information is "An Historical & Descriptive sketch of Birmingham " by Beilby, Knott & Beilby pub. 1830, and is almost a direct quote. No further information is given there.
This in turn was a crib from Hutton , the most relevant sections in which being given below:
In about 1740, a theatre was erected in Moor-street, which rather gave aspring to the amusement; in the day time the comedian beat up for volunteersfor the night, delivered his bills of fare, and roared out an encomium on theexcellence of the entertainment, which had not always the desired effect.
In 1751, a company arrived, which anounced themselves, "His Majesty'sservants, from the theatres-royal in London; and hoped the public would excusethe ceremony of the drum, as beneath the dignity of a London company." Thenovelty had a surprising effect; the performers had merit; the house wascontinually crouded; the general conversation turned upon theatricalexhibition, and the town was converted into one vast theatre.
In 1752 it was found necessary to erect a larger theatre, that in KingStreet, and we multiplied into two London companies.
The pulpits took the alarm, and in turn, roared after their customers: Butthe pious teachers forgot it was only the fervour of a day, which would cool ofitself; that the fiercer the fire burns, the sooner it will burn out.
This declaration of war, fortunately happening at the latter end of summer,the campaign was over, and the company retreated into winter quarters, withouthostilities.
It was afterwards found, that two theatres were more than the town chose tosupport; therefore that in Moor-street was set for a methodist meeting, where,it was said, though it changed its audience, it kept its primeval use,continuing the theatre of farce.
AND
After the institution of this sect by George Whitfield, in 1738, they werefirst covered by the heavens, equally exposed to the rain and the rabble, andafterwards they occupied, for many years, a place in Steelhouse-lane, where thewags of the age observed, "they were eat out by the bugs."--Theytherefore procured a cast off theatre in Moor-street, where they continued toexhibit till 1782; when, quitting the stage, they erected a superb meeting-house,in Cherry-street, at the expence of 1200l. This was opened, July 7, byJohn Wesley, the chief priest, whose extensive knowledge, and unblemishedmanners, give us a tolerable picture of apostolic purity; who believes,as if he were to be saved by faith; and who labours, as if he were to besaved by works.