Described as "suitable for ages 5 to 105", Hard Rubbish – from masters of puppetry Men Of Steel (comprising women, too) – is a riveting, life-sized puppet play that's fun for the whole family.

You know how kids can take any inanimate object and turn it into a character with a story and personality? That's essentially what Hard Rubbish is, but with adults expertly anthropomorphising old pieces of furniture, toys and utensils. The worn sofa, washing machine, cupboards and more discover they're going to be replaced by 'evil', slick, new Nordic counterparts (which are portrayed as robotic dictators), but they aren't giving up without a fight – and what a battle it turns out to be. They even enlist audience members to help, who eagerly comply. The story – while simple enough for children to follow easily – is action-packed, humour-filled and exciting; an adventure cartoon that's come to life.

The stage direction, sound and lighting design and the puppetry are all faultless; every movement has a purpose. Despite the furniture communicating in gibberish with a few English words interspersed, it's amazing how fully formed and life-like they are as characters. Though at times you forget the puppeteers are there, they're not meant to fade into the background, being very much characters in their own right, whose body language and facial expressions enhance the portrayal of the objects they're animating.

This is one of the only instances where murmured comments among audience members add to the amusement rather than annoy, and it's a delight hearing kids and adults react in the same way at poo jokes. Interestingly, the biggest shrieks of laughter come from the grown-ups. See it with your school-aged relatives, parents, grandparents, friends… Just make sure you see it.

Malthouse Theatre to 6 Oct.