He added: “What happened in the Victorian era has relevance to today, it took 5 to 10 years of change to make a difference and break up the gangs.
“In the 1900s, boys and girls clubs were opened. They helped engage young people and also helped them into employment which cut the amount of gang violence.”
Mr Davies decided to concentrate on Manchester’s gangs in his first book, Gangs of Manchester, and it is this book that inspired MaD Theatre Group to tell their own story through stage performance and film.
The play incorporates short films with music and cameo performance from members of the Inspiral Carpets, the Stone Roses and The Smiths.
ANGELS with Manky Faces will be on at Unity Theatre, Liverpool, at 8pm on Wednesday July 22 and Thursday July 23.
Tickets are available from the box office on 0151 709 4988.
