SCUTTLERS should be compulsive viewing for those annoying people who drone on about "the good old days."

Rona Munro's play, currently receiving its world premiere at the Royal Exchange Theatre, takes us on a genuinely scary journey through the mean streets of Victorian Manchester.

Streets ruled by ruthless young gangs whose drug of choice was violence, a way of escaping the back breaking drudgery of life in the cotton mills.

Rival gang members caught in the wrong street risked death and Munro's unsentimental and uncompromising piece makes West Side Story seem like a children's game of cowboys and Indians.

This is a young, vibrant production with director Wils Wilson ratcheting up the discomfort level and leaving us in no doubt we've entered a lawless world in which the police are two steps behind the youthful law breakers.

Dan Parr, so impressive in the RET's production of Britannia Waves The Rules, returns to once again impress as Jimmy, vying for control of the Bengal Tigers gang with Sean, played by an excellent Bryan Parry. He's so intimidating as Sean even as a member of the audience you'll find yourself not wanting to catch his eye.

But I also liked David Judge as Thomas, a young lad missing the guidance of a father who is desperate to make a name for himself. Poor Thomas does end up achieving notoriety, but rest assured, it isn't the ego boosting experience he expected.

With it's "in your face" physicality and a lively, pacy script this is a very watchable play and Munro makes sure you care about a group of characters struggling to survive.

The ending is clever too.

* Until March 7. The box office is on 0161 833 9833. Star rating - ****