In a pot? Skimmia japonica cultivars are ideal with a bit of shade on them. Dwarf rhododendron? Camellia, for spring flower, especially useful if the little bit of sun is late afternoon/evening

My standard answer! Euonymus fortunii, either a silver or a gold variegation. (If you want a small shrub)

Also try to take advantage of what sun there is. There may be an area that's shadowed in the ground but where your head is in the sun for part of the day. That's where you might plant something tall enough to get sun on the leaves, which will give the illusion of a bigger sunny area.
I would avoid plants with dark leaves if possible where there is no sun at all as they will emphasise the gloom. .
Have a look at Eleagnus ebbingii "gilt edge" for a place that gets a little sun.

If you own one of the walls you might like to try a climbing hydrangea,which does well on a north wall and has lighter leaves than the evergreens.

You could also try growing one of the smaller variegated ivies up an obelisk.

Fatshedera lizei 'Annemieke' or golden variegated Fatshedera, as its sometimes called. Will need sticks or something for support, it's not a climber, just grows straight up with several stems, to about 4 feet, but tends to lean if it isn't supported, and is evergreen.

Hi, the above are all good suggestions, have a look at Mahonia species, these actually prefer full or partial shade, Derek.

There's a euonymus growing in my tiny back yard. It gets very little sun except for an hour or so early afternoon at this time of year but it is growing. Can't stand it really and it will get dug out when I finally decide what to do with the horrible raised beds.

You could also brighten up the area by painting the walls or reflect light with mirrors.

Takes all sorts Urbanite, and what a good thing that is! I looked on your photos for a pic but there didn't seem to be one.

It's slightly better than privet! I don't dislike euonymous in general it's just out of place and too big for my little yard.

Thank you all for your ideas. I'm sure I'll now find something to suit my garden. Kate.

Oh it must be the one in your photos that looks like privet then? Tend to agree with you on that one!