Mountain laurel tends to be a more open plant, often developing an interesting branch structure, so I don't see it as lending itself well to being pruned to a formal hedge.

Yew is fast-growing and extremely adapatable, will take a goodly amount of shade, and responds very well to pruning - whether mild or heavy, with new growth sprouting from woody stems and even the trunk. The only condition they really don't take well to is "wet feet" - consistently wet soil.

Another you might consider, with more seasonal interest, is pieris. It must have shade from the afternoon sun, likes an acidic soil rich in organic matter. In early spring, clusters of small flowers in pink or white. New growth follows; on some varieties it may be red or palest green (almost white). This shrub can eventually reach 6-8 feet in height.

I'm sure there are more, just not coming to mind right now. Looking forward to seeing what others suggest.

I would suggest firethorn (pyracantha) for that situation. Espalier it against the wall.