Poster for Trespasses

Trespasses Soundtrack Season 1 (2025) Guide

Trespasses

PBS | Channel 4 7.7 Drama | War & Politics 2025

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1970s Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Trespasses follows Cushla Lavery, a passionate young Catholic schoolteacher who spends her nights working in her family's pub outside Belfast. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she crosses paths with Michael Agnew, an older, married Protestant barrister known for defending IRA suspects. Despite the deep sectarian divides, the crushing social expectations, and the escalating political violence around them, the two are drawn into an intense and illicit love affair. As paranoia seeps into every corner of their daily lives, their forbidden relationship becomes a quietly explosive catalyst that tests the boundaries of loyalty, family, and survival in a fractured community.

Adapted from Louise Kennedy’s Women’s Prize-shortlisted bestselling novel, Trespasses brings the turbulent landscape of 1975 Northern Ireland to life in a gripping four-part drama for Channel 4 and PBS Masterpiece. Set against the escalating sectarian conflict of the Troubles, the series follows Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew), a spirited young Catholic primary school teacher who divides her days between guiding her pupils and working late shifts in her family’s local pub outside Belfast. Her world changes irrevocably when she meets Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), an older, charismatic Protestant barrister renowned for defending political prisoners. Featuring a magnetic performance by Gillian Anderson as Cushla’s fragile mother, Gina, their illicit and passionate romance unfolds in a town suffocating under army checkpoints, neighborhood surveillance, and sudden violence—where crossing unspoken community borders carries devastating consequences.

The sonic identity of Trespasses blends authentic 1970s jukebox nostalgia with a deeply haunting original score composed by BAFTA winner David Holmes (Killing Eve, Ocean's Eleven) alongside Northern Irish composer Brian Irvine. Anchored by the ethereal, traditional-infused vocal performances of Irish singer RÓIS on standout tracks like "Cushla's Theme" and "Bluebells" the instrumental music mirrors the claustrophobic dread and tender intimacy of the period. Working in tandem with music supervisor Catherine Grimes, the episodic soundtrack also pulses with era-defining needle drops heard across the Lavery family pub, car radios, and living room turntables—from Dusty Springfield’s soulful yearning on "I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten" and Horslips’ seminal Celtic rock anthem "King of the Fairies," to the poignant grit of Thin Lizzy’s "Spirit Slips Away," Frankie Valli, Olivia Newton-John, and acclaimed folk balladeer Lisa O'Neill.

Soundtrack by Episode

Episode 1 Songs (Nov 9, 2025)

Against the backdrop of the Troubles, young Catholic teacher Cushla falls for a married Protestant barrister.

Episode 2 Songs (Nov 10, 2025)

Cushla and Michael's secret affair deepens but dangerous politics are closing in. Meanwhile, Davy's troubles grow.

Episode 3 Songs (Nov 11, 2025)

Cushla and Michael fall deeper amid danger - until she discovers he's lied to her. Michael promises honesty, but just as they commit, tragedy shatters everything.

  • 00:00:02

    Scene Context: Cushla views Michael on television at a pub, locates his address in a telephone directory, and drives to his residence.

  • Half Forgotten Daydreams

    John Cameron

    00:11:14

    Scene Context: Cushla and Michael are present at a house party. Michael introduces Cushla to the guests and discusses his son's legal issues with Mrs. Coyle.

  • 00:13:12

    Scene Context: Playing piano in the livingroom

  • 00:16:14

    Scene Context: Cushla reads a book to Michael in a playful manner. Michael crawls toward her and they kiss passionately.

  • Norma, Act I: Casta Diva

    Vincenzo Bellini , Ann De Renais

    00:23:46

    Scene Context: Cushla attends a wedding with Gerry, where Gerry notices Martin Gallagher, who appears to be aware of Cushla's personal circumstances.

  • You're Such a Good Looking Woman

    Joe Dolan

    00:25:28

    Scene Context: At the wedding reception, Cushla and Gerry observe Martin Gallagher. Martin subsequently engages Cushla in a tense conversation on the dance floor.

  • Shipwreck Blues (feat. Chris Barber's Jazz & Blues Band)

    Ottilie Patterson

    00:27:29

    Scene Context: Cushla is drinking alone with background music playing.

Episode 4 Songs (Nov 12, 2025)

A grieving Cushla confides in Gerry and Gina, and goes in search of the truth, leading to a shocking climax that unites the family.

  • 00:03:10

    Scene Context: The opening credits montage depicts Cushla's distress, her injury to her hand during running, and Gerry's subsequent treatment of the wound.

  • 00:07:31

    Scene Context: Gerry provides comfort to a crying Cushla, and they discuss their relationship, a man at the lough, and Michael's quote about "freedom over fear."

  • Something's On Your Mind

    BEATRICE

    00:46:22

    Scene Context: The scene displays art pieces at Michael's funeral wake, including a sculpture plaque dedicated to "Penny Fielding." In the present day, Older Cushla encounters adult Davy McGeown.

Trespasses (Original Score)

SeekerTune serves as the comprehensive music companion for Trespasses Season 1, cataloging every licensed track and instrumental piece featured across all four episodes. Whether you are searching for an upbeat pub song playing in the background of a tense encounter, identifying the melancholic acoustic melody behind an emotional closing scene, or exploring the complete 16-track original score album by David Holmes and Brian Irvine, our verified guide delivers exact timestamps, contextual scene descriptions, 30-second audio previews, and direct streaming links for Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. Bookmark this page to explore the full musical tapestry behind one of the most evocative period dramas of the year.

Main Cast

  • Gillian Anderson Gina
  • Lola Petticrew Cushla
  • Tom Cullen Michael
  • Martin McCann Eamonn
  • Gerard McCarthy Jim
  • Thomas Finnegan Barry Cole
  • Hilda Fay Mrs. Coyle
  • Barry Ward Victor
  • Emily Taaffe Betty
  • Jenn Murray Marian

Official Trailer

Official Trailer Thumbnail for Trespasses

Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in Every Episode

Episode Song Title Artist
E1 I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten Dusty Springfield
E1 Rock Me Gently Andy Kim
E1 King of the Fairies Horslips
E1 Into the Mystic Van Morrison
E2 Our Day Will Come Frankie Valli
E2 Roxette Dr. Feelgood
E2 Tiger Feet Mud
E2 The Night Chicago Died Paper Lace
E2 Billy Don't Be a Hero Paper Lace
E2 The Shadow Of Your Smile Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto
E2 Love Song Olivia Newton-John
E3 Spirit Slips Away Thin Lizzy
E3 Half Forgotten Daydreams John Cameron
E3 When I Move to the Sky Sister Rosetta Tharpe
E3 I'd Rather Be the Devil John Martyn
E3 Norma, Act I: Casta Diva Vincenzo Bellini, Ann De Renais
E3 You're Such a Good Looking Woman Joe Dolan
E3 Shipwreck Blues (feat. Chris Barber's Jazz & Blues Band) Ottilie Patterson
E4 Old Note Lisa O'Neill
E4 My Autumn's Done Come Lee Hazlewood
E4 Something's On Your Mind BEATRICE
SHOW INFO
Supervisors Catherine Grimes
Networks PBS, Channel 4
External Links IMDb, TMDB