Elsie Audrey Mosson (born 3 September 1920 in Preston, died 1 September 2009 in Hastings) was an English teen celebrity and professional dancer who became one of Lancashire’s most admired young figures of the 1930s. Born in Preston, she rose to fame at just fifteen when she was crowned the 10th Railway Queen of Great Britain during the Railway Carnival and Pageant at Belle Vue, Manchester, in August 1935. That same year, she travelled to the Soviet Union on a goodwill peace visit, where she famously met Joseph Stalin — an extraordinary moment in her early life.
Later in 1935, Audrey was invited to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, a major honour that linked her name with the town’s most famous celebration. Fifty years later, she returned to the resort to perform the same ceremony once again, this time alongside actress Joanna Lumley, delighting crowds and rekindling memories of her first appearance.
Her performing career began with the Blackpool Tower Children’s Ballet, marking the start of her lifelong connection to dance and entertainment. In 1940, she and her two sisters were married in a unique triple wedding at St Peter’s Church in Blackpool — an event that also coincided with their parents’ wedding anniversary.
Audrey’s passion for performance lived on through her family. Her daughter Mandy Tulloch became a dancer and actress, and Mandy’s youngest daughter, Makena Ram, followed the same path as a skilled ballerina and choreographer. Audrey’s eldest granddaughter, Danielle Ashley, was said to be the one she saw most of herself in.
A blue plaque was unveiled on 20 May 2023 at Audrey’s former home, 2a Lonsdale Road, Blackpool. Donated by her family and researcher Susan Brownrigg, it honours her achievements and lifelong connection to Blackpool — a town that celebrated her both as a performer and as a symbol of its bright, enduring spirit.
At Victoria, on leaving to attend the International Women’s Conference at Moscow. Miss Audrey Mosson, Britain’s fifteen years old railway queen. 3 march 1936. © Alamy
British railway Queen receives ‘Link of Peace’ in Moscow. A ‘Link of Peace’, in the form of a railway coupling, for her chain of office was presented to the British Railway Queen, 15 year old Audrey Mosson of Blackpool, on behalf of Russian railwaymen at the Railway Worker’s club in Moscow. The Queen, who is on a goodwill visit to Soviet Railway workers, has been received by members of the Soviet Government. Photo shows, Russian railway chiefs applauding the British Railway Queen at the ceremony. 17 March 1936. © Alamy
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At Victoria, on leaving to attend the International Women’s Conference at Moscow. Miss Audrey Mosson, Britain’s fifteen years old railway queen. 3 march 1936. © Alamy
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