what climbers thrive in shade/partial shade?

Root climbers:
Hedera is of course the obvious choice for shade but the climbing Hydrangea group such as Hydrangea petiolaris or Schizophragma would do well also. Of these Hydrangea's, the evergreen Mexican, Hydrangea seemanii would make a great plant for here. The only down side to these is that they will take a few years to really get going but are quick after their initial sulk.

Good twiners for speed could include Lonicera but if you want the best evergreen type, go for a selection of Lonicera henryi called 'Copper Beauty'. This has better flowers than the plain H. henryi species and lovely coppery red new growth as well as having large, leathery leaves.

I am sure others will contribute.

I found this plant online a couple of days ago but would it work in shade? It's a climber called Tropaeola and think it's also called Scottish Flame flower.

We have loads of Tropaeolum speciosum growing in some beds where I work. They run up the outside of the denser types of conifers and push through and out the other side. Slow to get established (we sell loads off the back of the ones on show) however, as they are perennial climbers, they die away at the end of the season. The other point to make is that the underground fleshy rhizomes choose different supports each season and can pop up anywhere, not necessarily where you want them. It also needs a more twiggy structure to climb through rather than just clothing bare heavy wood and trunk.

Ah, Fractal, there speaks a proper gardener, not a fair-weather potter! I'll give the Tropaeolum a go next year I think.

Thanks everyone, will look into these. Am a beginner gardener so don't expect miracles!