Help identifying what these shrubs and tree are please!

Pinkpepper

Can someone please help me by identifying what these shrubs and the tree are in my front garden? From far left I have no idea what this shrub (1) and the tree (2)are. Next is a spotted laurel (3) at the back I think but what’s that at the front (4)? Then far right I have a bush (5) but again, I don’t know what it’s called. I would appreciate any help. I am an amateur and don’t know how to deal with these because I don’t know what they are. Many thanks in advance. 

BobTheGardener

1) might be hydrangea, 2) is a Yew tree (and a nice bit of topiary to get that shape), 4) may be a flowering current and 5) looks like a hebe of some kind.

Pinkpepper

Thank you for the replies so far. Yes I think you’re both right about the hydrangea (1) And the bush is the same as the tree. Still not sure about (4). Here is a closer shot. Any ideas?

Dovefromabove

4) definitely a Ribes ... likely to be a flowering currant. 

Pinkpepper

So maybe you can help me with this; the Yew tree is too tall and bushy for its location, it’s right in front of our lounge window and blocks out a lot of light. Also, i’m struggling to prune the top of it. So I wondered if it could be cut right back to reduce it in size, ideally a similar height to the hydrangea.  Would it be possible to encourage it to grow as a bush? Failing this I might have to get rid completely. Thank you guys, you are being so helpful!