FEW tribute acts can claim to sell out Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, but that’s exactly what Grangetown born and raised Donna Marie did last year when she was invited to bring her Lady Gaga show to the venue.

“It was pretty cool,” said Donna Marie. “I was so nervous, I didn’t think we’d sell a hundred tickets never mind over a thousand.”

“Its quite shocking as you stand on the stage looking out,” she continues, “What’s amazing is you know they’ve bought those tickets just to see you, not like a festival or an event where there’s loads of acts on.

“It’s just my act they’ve come to see that and I find that very exciting.”

Donna Marie has always had performing in her blood, from accompanying musicians as a singer in her parents’ pub as a youngster through to stage appearances as an Olivette in The Olive Guppy School of Dance.

She also did a stint as a club singer but it was Lady Gaga that would ultimately change her career path.

“I was working in a bar in Cardiff,” said Donna Marie. “On a Wednesday evening we used to have theme nights.

“Gaga was playing at the Motorpoint Arena so they asked me if I would dress up as her to host the evening. I was like ‘yeah not a problem’, then two weeks before they asked if I would learn a set of songs.

“I didn’t have time, so I suggested they get a tribute which they did and on the evening I remember looking in the mirror and thinking ‘wow you look quite good as Gaga’.

“The tribute went on and did their bit and I sort of stood there next to the manager and said ‘if I was doing this I’d have maybe done that different’ and the manager said ‘why don’t you do it?’ “My husband ran through the crowd and said, ‘you could be doing this’ and we discussed it on the way home.

“I woke up the following morning feeling pretty determined with this life I could see for myself and that’s what happened.”

Donna Marie has gone on to be a big attraction with her Lady Gaga show, which returns to St David’s Hall on August 2.

Critically acclaimed as the world’s best Lady Gaga tribute and impersonator, she will recreate some of Lady Gaga’s most memorable performances such as the ‘spark bra’ moment at the Much Music Awards in 2009 and routines from The Monster Ball and Born This Way tours.

“I try to give a total experience with some of her new and old stuff,” added Donna Marie.

“Everyone’s got a certain part of Lady Gaga they remember, I just hope that I choose one of the best parts for that person when someone comes to see.”

Donna Marie has researched and recreated every aspect of the Gaga phenomena – from album tracks to stage costumes via dance routines and of course the look.

Her likeness to the star even got her into a bit of bother with Lady Gaga’s management.

“We had a letter to say that some photos on my logo were of her,” said Donna Marie.

“Obviously we argued the point and had to prove it was me.

“It was quite exciting, but at least we knew we were doing our job correctly”

Donna Marie even wears a replica of Gaga’s spark bra for one dance routine.

She said: “If it’s an outdoor event you’ve got to make sure you’re facing the right way, it could burn your eyebrows off.”

Catch Donna Marie in The Lady Gaga Experience at St David’s Hall on August 2. Call 029 2087 8444 for ticket details.