The Woman in the Wall is a six-part gothic thriller starring Ruth Wilson as Lorna Brady, a woman who wakes to find a corpse in her home. Inspired by Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries, the series pairs a brooding original score with a striking set of needle-drops. Here is the verified music guide.
Quick Facts
| Type | TV miniseries (6 episodes) |
| Network | BBC One / Paramount+ with Showtime |
| Premiere | 27 August 2023 |
| Creator & writer | Joe Murtagh |
| Stars | Ruth Wilson, Daryl McCormack |
| Composers | David Holmes & Brian Irvine |
| Music supervisor | Matt Biffa |
Score & Composer
The original score was composed by David Holmes (known for the Ocean’s films and Killing Eve) together with composer Brian Irvine. Their score features the haunting wordless vocals of Italian singer Anna Caragnano. Music supervisor Matt Biffa selected the series’ licensed songs.
Featured Music & Needle-Drops
| Artist / Track | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sinéad O’Connor – “The Magdalene Song” | Previously unreleased; used in the finale |
| Cocteau Twins | Featured needle-drop |
| Goat | Featured needle-drop |
| Philomena Begley | Irish country featured in the series |
| Jay & The Americans | Period needle-drop |
| Dead Man’s Bones | Featured needle-drop |
| Richard Myhill | Featured needle-drop |
Where to Watch & Listen
The series aired on BBC One (and BBC iPlayer) in the UK from 27 August 2023, and streams in the US on Paramount+ with Showtime. For the music, search Apple Music and Spotify for David Holmes’ work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for The Woman in the Wall?
The score was composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine, featuring vocals by Italian singer Anna Caragnano.
Is The Woman in the Wall based on a true story?
It is fictional but inspired by the real history of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries, institutions that confined so-called ‘fallen women’ for nearly two centuries.
How many episodes are there?
The series is a six-part miniseries created and written by Joe Murtagh.
What Sinead O’Connor song is in the finale?
The finale features Sinead O’Connor’s previously unreleased recording known as ‘The Magdalene Song.’
Where can I watch The Woman in the Wall?
It aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and streams on Paramount+ with Showtime in the US.
Related reading: TV soundtrack guides · more streaming soundtracks